Interassociation consensus recommendations for pitch-side emergency care and personal protective equipment for elite sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated many novel responses in healthcare including sport and exercise medicine. The cessation of elite sport almost globally has had significant economic implications and resulted in pressure to resume sport in very controlled conditions. This includes protecting pitch-side medical staff and players from infection. The ongoing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and the desire to resume professional sport required urgent best practice guidelines to be developed so that sport could be resumed as safely as possible. This set of best practice recommendations assembles early evidence for managing SARS-CoV-2 and integrates expert opinion to provide a uniform and pragmatic approach to enhance on-field and pitch-side safety for the clinician and player. The nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission creates new hazards during resuscitation and emergency care and procedures. Recommendations for the use and type of personal protective equipment during on-field or pitch-side emergency medical care is provided based on the clinical scenario and projected risk of viral transmission.

Student paramedic perceptions of a non-ambulance practice learning experience.

BACKGROUND: The role of the paramedic has changed significantly over the last 10 years. In order for paramedic students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the increasing complexity of patient presentations a wide range of placement opportunities are required to support learning. OBJECTIVE: To explore first year student paramedic experiences of non-ambulance placements. DESIGN: A qualitative study. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was used to explore first year student paramedic's experiences of non-ambulance placements. The study took place in one higher education institution in England, UK. RESULTS: Thirty-three first year BSc (hons) Paramedic Science students agreed to be interviewed. All the students had undertaken at least one non-ambulance placement within a hospital setting. Four key themes that emerged from the transcripts, Expectations, The Patient Journey, Communication and Mentorship. CONCLUSION: In order to prepare students for the future, to deliver quality care and to improve patient outcomes a variety of educational opportunities is crucial. There remains work to be done supporting clinical mentors, tearing down barriers between professional groups and exploring our similarities and strengths.