Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 25 November 2016
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release of 13 July 2016, 1,000 new paramedics to be trained, whether it will set out how the training will be delivered, and what its response is to reported concerns that the trainees will (a) receive less training than ambulance technicians and (b) not be trained (i) in lifesaving procedures and (ii) on how to interpret ECG results.
Through additional funding from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Ambulance Service are training an additional 1000 Paramedics over the next five years to provide frontline care in Scotland. This year’s recruitment plan will see 200 candidates undertake a higher education diploma in paramedic practice in the first phase of a 5 year programme that will enhance the clinical skills mix of staff and introduce new ways of working to best meet the needs of patients in all communities.
The Higher Education Diploma in Paramedic Practice is a 12 month course undertaken at the Scottish Ambulance Service Academy at Glasgow Caledonian University and includes 750 hours of practice placement as well a 5 week placement in hospital. 183 candidates have started this course so far in 2016 with 18 further candidates awaiting interview.
The new Paramedics are being trained from the current cohort of around 1,100 qualified Ambulance Technicians, who have already had training in lifesaving procedures and how to interpret ECG results as part of the curriculum for their current qualification. This will be supported by a recruitment drive to backfill those who are moving into the paramedic roles with over 200 new ambulance technicians.