WHAT DO THEY DO? PARAMEDICS

I’m a great fan of paramedics who are the senior healthcare professionals you will find at an accident or a medical emergency.

They’re usually one of a two-person ambulance crew, with an emergency care assistant or ambulance technician there to assist them.

They’ll administer oxygen and drugs and use high-tech equipment, such as defibrillators, spinal and traction splints, and intravenous drips, as needed. To practise as a paramedic, they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

And they must successfully complete an Hcpcapproved programme in paramedic science. Training comprises both theory and practical clinical experience, including several weeks in various hospital departments.

Much of the training of paramedics is carried out under the supervision of senior doctors.