The maturation of the paramedic profession through international scholarship

Abstract

International Paramedic Practice (IPP) is a welcome addition to those existing institutions and activities that are contributing to the international development of the paramedic profession. It will provide an opportunity to share frontline experiences and present research evidence among those paramedics who share a desire to provide the best possible care to patients and improve outcomes. The online journal will encourage debate and discussion beyond our own countries and institutions, it will seek to broaden our professional horizons, and encourage innovation and reform. To achieve these lofty aims, paramedics and others associated with the profession need to build and disseminate a body of knowledge that is based on robust evidence, combined with informed debate and discussion (Tippett et al, 2003; Snooks et al, 2008). International journals can make important contributions to this process through their role as places of scholarly exchange where practitioners and researchers can challenge readers to look at other ways of doing things, to consider different ways of thinking about problem situations, and to suggest how improvements might be implemented. One observation of paramedics, ambulance services and our professional associations, is that they can sometimes fall into the temptation of thinking that the best and only approach when confronted with challenges is to do more of the same and to ignore or dismiss other options. For example, should we consider whether efforts to reduce response times through