Reforming the paramedic profession? Two weeks with paramedics in Germany

Esther Dittmar
Tuesday, March 2, 2021

While paramedics in Anglo-American emergency medical services enjoy relative autonomy, paramedic practice in the Franco-German model deployed in Germany depends heavily on emergency physician input. Increasing demand, especially from low-acuity incidents, causes challenges in these countries. To address this, German politicians plan to implement extensive emergency care reforms and consider an update of regulations around paramedic practice. A 2-week placement allowed for practice observation, discussions with stakeholders and a review of various resources to identify current issues in Germany. These include legal discrepancies, significant local differences in scope of practice, limited career opportunities and influence on clinical guidelines. Although the update and reforms are intended to resolve some of these problems, a groundbreaking evolution of the profession from its current restrictions is not expected. Possible development of the emergency physician role and associated specialities as a response to emergency care challenges is less debated.

Subscribe to get full access to International Paramedic Practice

Thank you for vising International Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.

CPD Focus

Reading the International Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development

Develop your career

We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs

Stay informed

Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne

Subscribe now

Already registered? - Sign in here