Should Paramedic training and education globally be structured according to the same curriculum ?

[niconell]

Should Paramedic training and education globally be structured according to the same curriculum ?

[scubanurse]

Wow what a broad question to ask. I think each country has different needs, standards, expectations, and problems to have a global system of training.

[paramedicmike]

Interesting concept. What's your take?

There could be pros and cons to something like this idea.

[chbare]

I'll parrot what Scuba said. We still cannot get everybody in the world using the same systems of measurement, I don't see standardising curricula globally.

[SWA_EMT]

I'm in agreement with the above posts. I think that there are too many variables to switch to a universal training curriculum. Climates, terrains, politics, etc...are just a few. Additionally....we, as a profession, will set ourselves so far back by switching to a universal curriculum. This would almost certainly never allow us to progress, learn, & share ideas that could further advance our profession. I just don't see this being a good idea.

[Doc_115thSigBn]

I have not researched this topic but my thinking is that it would not work very well. For example, in the US the DOT in conjunction with each state health department determines the guidelines for ambulances and training so that it is consistent. I'm not sure that other countries have similar agencies or guidelines. The care and treatment may not be standard or comparable. In third world countries where money may be scarce. Supplies and equipment may be more difficult to obtain. Medications may not be the same caliber since ours are regulated through the FDA. Globalizaation of training might be something to work towards.

Harold Letson

EMT-P, M Div

[chbare]

Rather than globalising training, I think the approach of developing international consensus regarding treatment is a good goal. Then, countries have a framework of treatment recommendations and can develop educational programmes that take the nation's needs and resources into account. For example, the world is roughly on the same page when it comes to emergency cardiovascular care.

Of course, with consensus, compromises can occur and guidelines may neglect things that some people and experts consider important.

[island emt]

But does the "global consensus" aim for a very high standard of care ??? or do they teach to the lowest common denominator?????

Maybe somewhere in the middle???

Who decides what is appropriate care and how to train to that level?

Sounds like an even larger bureaucracy than we deal with now , only on a global scheme.

[chbare]

I am not talking about global consensus when it comes to teaching. I am talking about consensus on best practices for treating problems such as acute coronary syndromes and so on. Clearly, countries will have to develop educational curricula based on their resources and needs, but a starting point for best practice is not a bad thing to have.