Paramedics are often defined as individuals who have the necessary skills and training to administer critical life-saving medical decisions out in the field that affect patient outcomes.

But is this true? A recent Canadian study claims that major trauma patients who receive ALS care have no higher chances of surviving than if they were to simply receive BLS care.

With this latest research, what do you think? Are we using the correct rationale to measure the performance of a paramedic? When are paramedics needed? And with what skill sets? While there are obvious calls where BLS care is the best option, what about a transport where the patient has a fractured femure and needs pain control? Or when the situation requires you to reverse a severe asthma attack? Share your thoughts.

Edited: 4/24/2008 at 5:57 PM by ForumAdmin