Nick Nudell, of the APA, discusses EMS education, advocating for paramedics, innovative roles globally, quality promotion, and rethinking education paths. They explore value-added services in healthcare and navigating educational challenges for paramedics.
The APA advocates for paramedics to have a separate voice and representation in the healthcare sector.
The APA supports progressive initiatives at state and national levels to advance paramedic roles and responsibilities.
Paramedics are key players in healthcare, with the APA emphasizing the importance of integrating into wider healthcare systems and pursuing higher education for professional growth.
Deep dives
The Beginning of the American Paramedic Association (APA)
The APA was established around the time of a position paper on paramedics having degrees. It was created to give paramedics a voice separate from other medical associations, aiming to represent their own interests. The association initiated with a manifesto outlining the profession's key aspects to progress as a profession.
Advocacy and Initiatives of the APA
The APA has advocated at state and national levels for progressive initiatives within the paramedic profession. They have supported programs like in New York and Colorado, pushing for advancements in paramedic roles and responsibilities. The APA has worked with different organizations to have paramedics included in behavioral health programs and crisis response teams.
Integration of Paramedics into Healthcare System
The APA emphasizes the need for paramedics to integrate into the wider healthcare system beyond just emergency transportation. Examples from other countries demonstrate paramedics prescribing medications, providing primary care, and addressing behavioral health needs majorly in rural areas. Paramedics are positioned as key players in mobile integrated health and community paramedics programs.
Importance of Education in Elevating Paramedic Role
Education and degrees in paramedicine are seen as crucial in elevating the paramedic profession. With basic education requirements being raised in several states, paramedics are encouraged to pursue higher education to enhance their value, potentially leading to better compensation. The push for education aims to give paramedics a seat at the decision-making table and ensure they play a more significant role in healthcare decisions.
Seeking Involvement and Engagement with the APA
The APA encourages individuals interested in the paramedic profession to engage with them, join discussions, and contribute to shaping the future of paramedicine. Through the APA website, interested parties can access information, advocacy efforts, and engage in conversations to drive the profession forward.
In this episode, Aaron and Jason sit down with Nick Nudell from the American Paramedic Association and discuss EMS education. Nick is a current paramedic, a Ph.D student, and a founder of the only advocacy group that is made up of paramedics. We chat about the different ways the APA advocates for paramedics and the ways that we can improve the current education model. This is a lively discussion with a variety of ideas discussed and what the model may look like in the future.
Thanks for Nick for taking time out of his day to chat with us. Check out Nick on Instagram and sign up for a membership to the APA on their website.
