defibrillation
The use of semiautomatic defibrillators and the cases where it applies.
Paramedics in emergency responses provide emergency care to sick, injured, and vulnerable persons in emergency medical situations, before and during transport to a medical facility. They implement and oversee the transfer of the patient in connection with transport. They provide assistance in acute situations, implement life-saving emergency measures, and monitor the performance of the transportation process. As allowed by national law they may also provide oxygen, certain drugs, the puncture of peripheral veins and infusion of crystalloid solutions and perform endotracheal intubation if needed for the immediate prevention of threats for the life or health of an emergency patient.
Competences and skills
83 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 23 competences
Occupation specific
5 competencesintravenous infusion
The vein access and infusion, the hygienic aspects and potential complications.
intubation
The artificial respiration and intubation and the potential complications.
sociology applied to paramedical science
The fundamental role of sociology for paramedics in developing and maintaining effective relationships, psychological and social factors that influence an individual in health and illness.
stages of normal development
The main sequential stages of normal development, the cognitive, emotional and social measures of maturation through the human lifespan.
Sector-specific
8 competencesclinical science
The research and development of the techniques and equipment used by medical staff to prevent, diagnose and treat illness.
disorders of vital functions
The characteristics and disorders of vital functions, consciousness and unconsciousness, respiratory and circulatory system, bleeding, shocks, artificial respiration.
emergency medicine
Emergency medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
medical dispatch
The concepts of a medical dispatch system and its use which consists in performing criteria based medical dispatch, answering emergency calls, and operating computer aided dispatch systems.
physical science applied to paramedical practice
The principles and theories of physics, biomechanics, electronics and ergonomics that can be applied to paramedic practice.
principles of paramedic practice
The theories and science that underpin the theory and principles of paramedic practice.
sanitary technology
The characteristics and usage of medicinal products and sanitary technical equipment.
transportation methods
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and optimal work strategies.
Cross-sector
10 competencesbehavioural science
The investigation and analysis of subject behaviour through regulated and lifelike observations and disciplined scientific experiments.
emergency cases
The emergency cases with different disease patterns and syndromes, the special emergency cases and their appropriate interventions.
first aid
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
health care system
The structure and function of health care services.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
medical devices
Equipment and devices used in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of medical issues. Medical devices cover a wide range of products, ranging from syringes and protheses to MRI machinery and hearing aids.
operational tactics for emergency responses
The characteristics and proceedings of operational tactics for emergency responses especially at major incidents and catastrophes.
pathogenic microorganisms
The main classes of pathogenic microorganisms, the spread of infection and the use of universal precautions.
pharmacology
Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Essential skills and competences 51 competences
Occupation specific
4 competencesadminister medication in emergency
Administer medications in an emergency, as prescribed by a monitoring physician.
brief hospital staff
Brief hospital staff at arrival with a patient, giving an accurate report of the patient`s condition, circumstances of the accident, illness or injury and treatment given.
manage patients with acute illnesses
Manage patients of all age groups with acute and urgent illnesses or injuries such as episodic undifferentiated physical and behavioural symptoms or disorders.
transfer patients to and from ambulance vehicles
Transfer patients safely to and from ambulance vehicles by making use of appropriate equipment and manual handling skills that prevent harming the patient during transportation.
Sector-specific
21 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
adapt to emergency care environment
Adapt practice to ensure that needs of patients within the emergency and urgent care environment are met.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
conduct physical examination in emergency
Conduct a thorough and detailed physical examination of the patient in emergency situations, using assessment skills such as observation, palpation, and auscultation and formulating diagnoses across all age ranges, followed by the calling for specialist when available.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
delegate emergency care
Efficiently delegate care to other personnel in the emergency department, supervising others working in the clinical environment to ensure that patient needs are met.
employ specific paramedic techniques in out-of-hospital care
Use appropriate techniques in paramedical practice such as IV therapy, drug administration, cardioversion, and emergency surgical techniques.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
immobilise patients for emergency intervention
Immobilise the patient using a backboard or other spinal immobilisation device, preparing the patient for stretcher and ambulance transport.
manage acute pain
Handle patients with acute pain and ease their pain accordingly.
monitor basic patients signs
Monitor and analyse basic patient vital signs as vital signs of heart, respiration, and blood pressure. Take action by reporting them to the nurse.
operate specialised equipment in emergency
Operate equipment such as external defibrillators and bag-valve mask resuscitators, spinal and traction splints and intravenous drips in advanced life-support environments, taking electrocardiograms when required.
position patients undergoing interventions
Position or immobilise patients correctly for safe and effective interventions.
prioritise emergencies
Determine the level of risk of an emergency situation and balance the dispatch of ambulances to emergency situations accordingly.'
tolerate stress
Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.
transfer patients
Use the most appropriate techniques to handle and move patients in and out of an ambulance, hospital bed, wheelchair, etc.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
write reports on emergency cases
Record the patient`s condition or injury from the start of the takeover in the ambulance, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs and treatment.
Cross-sector
26 competencesaddress problems critically
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.
adhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
apply first response
Respond to medical or trauma emergencies and care for the patient in a manner compliant with health and safety regulations, assessing the legal and ethical issues of the situation, and provide proper pre-hospital care.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
assess nature of injury in emergency
Assess the nature and extent of injury or illness to establish and prioritise a plan for medical treatment.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
cope with blood
Cope with blood, organs, and other internal parts without feeling distressed.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
maintain order at scenes of accidents
Maintain order at emergency scenes dispersing crowds and keeping family and friends from touching the patient.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
manage major incidents
Take immediate action to respond to major incidents that affect the safety and security of individuals in private or public places such as road accidents.
observe confidentiality
Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
operate an emergency communication system
Efficiently operate common communication systems used in emergencies, such as base station mobile transmitters and receivers, portable transmitters and receivers, repeaters, cellular phones, pagers, automated vehicle locators, and satellite phones as required.
digital
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
provide first aid
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
select hazard control
Perform appropriate selection of hazard control measures and risk management
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceevaluation methodologies in paramedic practice
Methodologies which allow the combination of theory and empirical evidence to develop and carry out effective paramedic practice.
Sector-specific
1 competencedietetics
The human nutrition and dietary modification for optimising health in clinical or other environments. The role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing illness across the life spectrum.
- Scope note
- Should not be confused with nutritionists who apply knowledge of nutrition in community, industrial and research environments.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 7 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesdecontaminate ambulance interior
Decontaminate the interior of the emergency vehicle following treatment of a patient with infectious disease.
manage trauma through surgical means
Manage trauma such as musculoskeletal, hand, and head injuries, taking responsibility for all phases of care of the injured patient.
Cross-sector
5 competencescommunicate in foreign languages with health service providers
Apply foreign languages in communicating with health service providers such as doctors and nurses.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
train employees
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
use foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.