Train up ‘super paramedics’ to stop A&E crisis

AMBULANCE services should train up ‘super-paramedics’ to stop patients needing to go to A&E, according to the health watchdog.

Nice wants to hugely increase the number of Advanced Paramedic Practitioners, or APPs, who can treat patients at the scene. They have the power to diagnose illnesses, carry out tests and prescribe medications.

The watchdog calculates that deploying these staff across all ten ambulance trusts could cut the number of patients admitted to hospital by 13 per cent.

Officials are trying to stave off a repeat crisis this winter and prevent patients going to A&E wherever possible.

The watchdog said super-paramedics would each cost only an extra £24,250 to train yet would save £72,000 a year.

Professor Julian Bion, of Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, who helped draw up the guidelines, said: ‘Their skills and expertise can help to ease pressure on emergency departments and ensure patients are cared for in the most appropriate location.’ The recommendation was part of guidelines to improve ambulance services, the 111 helpline and A&E.