Paramedic : Training

In order to practise, paramedics must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . Paramedics must comply with HPC regulations in order to remain on the register.

Many ambulance trusts will train new recruits in emergency driving, which usually consists of a three to four week course.

The HPC requires all health professionals on the register to undertake continuing professional development (CPD). Paramedics are required to keep a record of their CPD. From summer 2008, selected paramedics will have to provide evidence of CPD relating to their previous two years of practice. The evidence will have to show that the CPD a paramedic has undertaken has contributed to the quality of their practice and demonstrate that it benefited the service user.

Typically, paramedics can continue their development by undertaking work-based learning, professional activity, formal education or self-directed learning. Activities might include reading professional publications, attending conferences, work shadowing, or joining a professional specialist interest group. Various postgraduate qualifications are also available to qualified paramedics in subjects such as patient assessment and management,and physician assistant studies.

The British Paramedic Association (BPA)  has developed an online CPD scheme which is a members-only benefit and meets all the requirements set by the HPC.