The growth and development of paramedicine over the last few decades has seen paramedics engaging more and more with scholarly activities such as research projects and journal article publications. Looking back more than 10–15 years ago, it was almost unheard of for a paramedic to publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal, though today we have hundreds of published papers written by paramedics. The exponential growth is especially evident and fuelled by the number of paramedics attaining higher degrees of study, from master to doctoral level. It is required of candidates to undertake a research project to further build on their knowledge and help expand the evidence base of the profession. Doctoral candidates are usually expected to publish this research, and over the last 5–10 years, we have seen a marked increase in research publications from paramedics.
The number of paramedicine journals are also increasing as the demand for publication space expands. The Journal of Paramedic Practice (JPP) had its first issue in 2008, making it one of the oldest platforms in the UK to give paramedic scholars a directed voice. Its sister publication, the International Paramedic Practice (IPP) journal broadened this scope in 2011 by expanding opportunities for paramedics around the globe. These are but two examples of many flourishing journals that have gained traction in the space of paramedicine. Publishing journal articles provides an excellent gateway to share knowledge within a profession, to mobilise and inform practice, shape future policy, and provide opportunities for learning.
Throughout my time in education, I have realised the potential that journal publication can provide for our undergraduate paramedic students, especially with the transition from vocational training to higher education. Many, if not all, undergraduate paramedic programmes require students to complete some form of research or major project in their final year of study. These projects may be smaller in scope than in postgraduate studies; however, the knowledge collated and written about by these students are valuable to the growth of the paramedic profession. Not only would publication support and foster the development of future scholars, but it would also give students a voice in our professional space, and the ability to share the knowledge obtained through their works.
I set out on a task to push the boundaries of what undergraduate paramedic students deem achievable. I recognised the uncertainty and fear that these students tend to have for attempting publication and I began to understand how this translates to qualified paramedics being hesitant to undertake such endeavours. Being apprehensive of something you are not familiar with is normal human behaviour and it is my goal to help break down the perceived barriers and provide access to journal publication. It has been a great privilege to support numerous undergraduate students publish their works over the last few years, many of which were submitted and well received by both the JPP and IPP.
Sharing knowledge is a fundamental concept of any profession, and journal publication is one of the means to achieve that goal. Publication should not be seen as something only done by experienced scholars or higher-degree graduates; it should be done by all within the paramedic profession, especially undergraduate students who produce vast amounts of incredible works as part of their studies. As daunting and scary as it may seem, there are always people with experience willing to help you through the process. Grasp any opportunity to share the knowledge from your work and disseminate it through journal publications, to help shape the future of the paramedic profession.