Celebrating International Paramedics Day: ‘What Paramedics Do’ in Forensic Healthcare Settings
Today, on International Paramedics Day, we’re celebrating the invaluable work of our paramedics, specifically those serving in police custody settings, a field where they apply their extensive knowledge, experience, and skills in a unique and challenging environment. This year’s theme, ‘What Paramedics Do’, encourages us to broaden our understanding of the diverse roles paramedics undertake, and offers a perfect opportunity to shed light on their integral part within the forensic healthcare framework.
When we think of paramedics, it is often in the context of high-stress, emergency situations, with the ambulance as their stage. However, paramedics have extended their expertise beyond this traditional landscape, becoming essential figures within police custody settings across the country.
In these environments, paramedics provide high-quality, patient-centred care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, many of whom present with complex co-morbidities and vulnerabilities. They navigate an environment that can feel oppressive to those in custody, using their skills to reassure, heal, and support individuals at their most vulnerable.
But the role of our paramedics in custody isn’t limited to patient care alone. Their comprehensive knowledge and training allow them to assist the police and ultimately the courts, making invaluable contributions to the broader criminal justice system.
As we celebrate the remarkable work of our paramedics today, it’s important that we also extend our appreciation to the nurses and midwives who work tirelessly alongside them. Their roles in forensic healthcare settings, too, are pivotal. Whether providing essential medical care, offering comfort and support to those in need, or contributing to the wider understanding and progression of forensic healthcare, our nurses and midwives make an immeasurable difference every day.
So, on this International Paramedics Day, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the breadth of #WhatParamedicsDo and appreciate the profound impact our paramedics, nurses, and midwives have within forensic healthcare settings. Your dedication to service, your compassionate care, and your relentless pursuit of excellence make you the heart and soul of our association. We thank you for your remarkable service.
Happy International Paramedics Day!
#InternationalParamedicsDay #WhatParamedicsDo #UKAFNP