The evolution of the paramedic

The role of the paramedic is one that is rapidly evolving, across many countries. Demands placed on health services, offload delays, cuts to budgets, increased expectations from the general public and an increasing older population all place the paramedic profession at a crossroads in its development. Paramedicine has yet to figure out where it belongs. Does it belong in public safety? Does it belong in healthcare? The road less travelled requires the paramedic profession to be pursue identity as a healthcare profession and not as emergency responders, EMS workers, or ambulance drivers, which we are so commonly identified with.