Patient safety and quality improvement education for paramedics: Practicing what we preach

Our patients expect, and deserve, safe, high-quality care. Patient safety and quality improvement competencies for paramedics are detailed in the National Occupational Competency Profiles (Canada) (1), the Education and Training Standards (Rep. of Ireland) (2), the Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics (UK) (3), and the Australasian Competency Standards for Paramedics (Aus & NZ) (4). Competencies aside, paramedics have a personal responsibility for providing safe care, regardless of previous education or regulatory framework. The onus is on us all to ensure that paramedics are adequately prepared to address this responsibility.--Paragraph 1.