Infection prevention and control among paramedics: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Paramedics are exposed to many infectious diseases in their professional activities, leading to a high risk of transmitting infectious diseases to patients in out-of-hospital settings, possibly leading to health care associated infections in hospitals and the community. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control in health care and the role of paramedics in infection control is considered even more critical. Despite this, in many countries such as Australia, research into infection prevention and control research has mainly been focused on in-hospital health care professionals with limited out-of-hospital studies. METHODS: This scoping review was based upon Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Literature on knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control in paramedics in Australia and other countries was evaluated. RESULTS: Based upon selection criteria applied, six papers were identified for inclusion in this review. In many studies, infection prevention and control was identified as being important, however compliance with hand hygiene practices was low and most studies highlighted the need for more education and training on infectious disease for paramedics. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that paramedics have poor compliance with recommended IPC practices. The profession needs to improve IPC education, training, and culture.

Do clinical safety charts improve paramedic key performance indicator results? (A clinical improvement programme evaluation).

INTRODUCTION: Is the Clinical Safety Chart clinical improvement programme (CIP) effective at improving paramedic key performance indicator (KPI) results within the Ambulance Service of New South Wales? METHODS: The CIP intervention area was compared with the non-intervention area in order to determine whether there was a statistically significant improvement in KPI results. RESULTS: The CIP was associated with a statistically significant improvement in paramedic KPI results within the intervention area. CONCLUSIONS: The strategies used within this CIP are recommended for further consideration.

Consent and refusal of treatment by older children in emergency settings.

The law recognises that children can exert an increasing level of autonomy and decision-making about their healthcare as they mature, and that intelligence and maturity levels will vary from one child to the next. Therefore, the parameters for when older children can consent to healthcare can be a complex area for clinicians to navigate. Refusal of treatment provides additional challenges for clinicians because the law is less clear about when older children can be involved in refusing treatment which is in their best interests. This article outlines relevant legislation concerning child consent to treatment across Australian jurisdictions and examines refusal of treatment by children using the 2018 case of Mercy Hospitals Victoria v D1 & Anor.