Beyond emergencies: shifting identities and expectations
Shannon Delport, Jenni Judd, Adele Baldwin, Amy-Louise ByrneBackground:
Healthcare systems are under significant strain and the paramedic workforce is viewed as a potential solution, particularly because of abilities to assess, treat and avoid hospital transport.
Objective:
This integrative review explores how paramedicine is evolving in Australia in response to rising healthcare demands.
Methods:
An integrative review was conducted, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies. A systematic search of databases was complemented by thematic analysis.
Results:
There were two overarching themes: changing expectations; and models of care. These themes highlight a shift from providing a reactive, emergency response to proactive, integrated primary care roles, which has implications for professional identity and systemic reform.
Conclusion:
Paramedicine is changing as healthcare systems seek to manage rising demands and service gaps, with a shift to different approaches and roles. This creates tension and introduces issues around interprofessional collaboration, autonomous decision-making and adaptable roles. While this move presents opportunities, the impact on the paramedic profession is not yet understood, and the role shift should not be viewed as a panacea for systemic failures.