Abstract
Background: This study considers the impact of the Intermediate Ambulance Care (IAC) Course on the development of pre-hospital care practice in Penang, Malaysia and considers how the course contributes to professional development. The research question asks what impact the education programme has had on a rapidly changing emergency medical service. Methods: Using a qualitative methodology—focused ethnography—data were collected from interviews, participation and observation of pre-hospital emergency care providers and medical professionals in Penang, Malaysia. Results: Four themes were identified which describe how the participants' values and beliefs contribute to the increasing professionalisation of their role in health care. Conclusion: As well as increasing paramedic knowledge, there was an observable change in participants' values and beliefs about pre-hospital care and health outcomes. This has contributed to the professional development currently being experienced in pre-hospital care in Penang, Malaysia.
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