Paramedic Insight Podcast:

Did you know that paramedics can claim tax rebates for such items as uniform cleaning, professional registration and professional body membership? That includes making a claim for your membership of the College of Paramedics. Clare Merrills, Head of PR, Press & Digital Communications at HMRC explains to Gary Strong how to set up an account and make a claim. Clare and Gary discuss what sort of claims can be made, the pros and cons of using an agent and the importance of claiming everything to which you are entitled. Some information from HMRC: Submitting a claim through HMRC's online portal is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. Customers can use the handy online tool to check eligibility and a full list of work expenses they can claim including:    ·     uniforms and work clothing   ·     buying work-related equipment  ·     professional fees, union memberships, and subscriptions  ·     using their own vehicle for work travel (excluding journey from home to work)     Customers who already have a Government Gateway account can follow the step-by-step guidance to submit their claim. Those who need to set an account up can do so quickly and easily via GOV.UK.  

Gary Strong and Poppy Simmonds chat to Henry Agbor, a truly international paramedic, about his passion for the role of the paramedic in his home country and continent. The theme for International Paramedics Day this year is What Paramedics Do. On July 8, the College of Paramedics, the professional body for paramedics in the UK will come together with more than 50 global paramedic associations, higher education institutions and affiliated organisations to raise awareness and create a better understanding of the breadth and depth of work carried out by paramedics around the world. As skilled clinicians, paramedics and first responders make an extraordinary contribution to health and social care systems across the globe, helping patients when they need it most and providing safe and effective treatment. Being a paramedic is about 'being there when people need help the most'. Henry Agbor, MCPara.

Rory O'Connor with Adrian Chiles on Radio Five Live

Graham Clark MCPara, East of England Council Representative at the College of Paramedics talked on LBC Radio about extreme pressures on the ambulance service, including heatwave and staff absences due to COVID.

Jo Mildenhall MCPara, Paramedic Mental Health Project Lead at the College of Paramedics talks about paramedic mental health on radio Solent.

Gary Strong talks to Krissie Stiles and David Wales about the ground breaking report Saving Lives is Not Enough: a casualty-centred proposal identifying how Fire and Rescue Services can improve pre-hospital care and quality of life outcomes for burn survivors. The report considers how actions on scene can help to determine long term quality of life outcomes, recognising that the casualty is the one who experiences the whole event from occurrence to recovery. This discussion will be of particular interest to the paramedic community as well as to firefighters, emergency department clinicians and burns specialists. The full report is available at https://tinyurl.com/SLINE2019 Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Krissie is a Burns and Plastics Clinical Nurse Specialist. David is International Research Lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council and founder of the consultancy company SharedAim. Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong talks to Bo Escritt and Tracy Nicholls about what we can learn from the recent celebrations of Black History in order to address the challenges of diversity and representation in the paramedic profession. 2020 has brought a renewed understanding of the continued prevalence of racism and Covid 19 has shed a harsh light on contemporary health inequalities based on race. How as a profession should we respond? This podcast also gives the paramedic profession an opportunity to thank Malone Mukwende and the team at St George's University of London for freely sharing the Clinical Skills Handbook Mind the Gap, available at https://www.sgul.ac.uk/news/mind-the-gap-a-handbook-of-clinical-signs-on-black-and-brown-skin Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Bo is a Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion Professional, currently working as Diversity Advisor to the College of Paramedics. Tracy is the Chief executive of the College of Paramedics. Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong talks to Islam Faqir and Matondo Manzeninga about Black History Month and their experiences as non-white paramedics. What are the barriers to inclusivity that exist within the culture of the paramedic profession? How can we go about breaking these down and ensuring that our profession becomes more representative of the communities it serves? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Islam ('Izzy') is a Clinical Pathways Manager and Matondo an operational paramedic at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Both are members of the College of Paramedics Diversity Steering Group, which is chaired by Izzy. Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Harriet Ashman talks to Gary Strong about the care of burn injured patients. Burns can be life-changing for the patient. These injuries are infrequently encountered by paramedics, yet the care given in the first period of time post injury can have a significant impact on injury prognosis. How can we make sure that we are well prepared to act swiftly and appropriately when caring for burn injured patients? Harriet has had a specialist interest in burns care since her undergraduate days. This episode revisits and updates a conversation first recorded in 2018 when Harriet presented on the topic at the College of Paramedics National Conference. It is released alongside a new e-learning module for paramedics written by Harriet, edited by specialist burns nurse Krissie Stiles and available at https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/paramedics Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Harriet is a paramedic at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Islam Faqir, chair of the College of Paramedics Diversity Steering Group, chats to Gary Strong about the importance of diversity in the paramedic profession and the vision for the group's work. Against the backdrop of lockdown, Izzy and Gary consider the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on non-white communities, people with disabilities and those who live in areas of economic deprivation, providing a paramedic's eye view of some of our public health challenges. Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Izzy is Clinical Manager for Pathways at Yorkshire Ambulance Service Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Recorded and originally released early in 2018, this discussion between Islam Faqir, Shirmilla Datta and Gary Strong considers why issues of diversity, equality and fairness in the workplace are so important for the paramedic profession to address. Izzy and Shirmilla share some of their career experiences and discuss the problems associated with hidden discrimination and institutional bias. Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Izzy is Clinical Manager for Pathways at Yorkshire Ambulance Service Shirmilla is the former End of Life Care Lead for SECAMB and is currently on sabbatical. Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong talks to Michelle O'Keeffe about domestic violence. How prevalent is it in society and how can paramedics recognise the signs? What actions should be taken if we suspect our patient is a victim? What impact has lockdown had upon the services caring for victims? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Michelle is Service Improvement Coordinator for the Safeguarding & Domestic Violence Team at Leeds City Council. Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics Help and advice on this topic is available at: http://www.standingtogether.org.uk/sites/default/files/docs/COVID-19%20National%20Health%20Guidance.pdf https://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19#frontline-domestic-abuse-workers https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ https://www.hestia.org/brightsky https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it/report-domestic-abuse https://www.boots-uk.com/our-stories/boots-pharmacy-consultation-rooms-become-safe-spaces-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse/ https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ https://www.dahalliance.org.uk/resources/information-on-covid-19/ Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong talks to Carol Robertson about the challenges of responding to the needs of persons living with frailty. What exactly is frailty? How can paramedics best recognise it and manage patients appropriately and with dignity? What has been the impact of Covid-19? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Carol is a Community Specialist paramedic and Frailty Champion working for North West Ambulance Service https://www.nwas.nhs.uk Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong chats to Alyesha Proctor about her role as a paramedic working in a GP practice. What are the attractions of working in this environment, and what are the new challenges that paramedics face when they move from ambulance based practice to primary care? How has practice changes during the Covid-19 response? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Alyesha is a primary care paramedic in a GP practice in Bristol and a researcher and lecturer at the University of the West of England https://www.uwe.ac.uk Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong chats to Andy Swinburn about the ambulance service response to the challenges of ever increasing demand. How can the Rotating Paramedic role enable services to offer the right care to all our patients? How should we go about developing highly skilled Advanced Paramedics for these exciting new roles? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Andy is Associate Director of Paramedicine at the welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust https://www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

PHEMCast is an prehospital emergency care podcast series created by Emergency Medicine Consultants Clare Bosanko and Tim Nutbeam. In this shared podcast, Clare and Tim join Gary and Stephen to discuss the prehospital response to Covid-19 up to 1 May 2020. Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Dr Clare Bosanko and Dr Tim Nutbeam are both active in prehospital care in the south west of England https://phemcast.co.uk/about-us Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Stephen is the National CPD Lead (Events) for the College of Paramedics and a Specialist Paramedic with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust https://www.swast.nhs.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Gary Strong chats to Andy Elwood about his journey with mental health. What are the top tips for staying healthy, at a time of unease and anxiety for all emergency responders and healthcare workers? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Andy is a Search and Rescue Paramedic, a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and campaigner and a member of the College of Paramedics Mental Health Steering Group. See https://www.andyelwood.com Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics. Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

A message for you: Remember Esther Murray, Health Psychologist #StayWellWithEsther

Gary Strong and Stephen Moakes discuss options and considerations when managing minor injuries during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Joint Regulatory Bodies Covid-19 statement advises that in these exceptional circumstances professionals may need to depart from established procedures in order to care for patients and people. Is this an opportunity to think differently about the way we assess, manage and refer minor injuries sustained in the community? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Gary is the National CPD Lead (Education) for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Stephen is the National CPD Lead (Events) for the College of Paramedics and a Specialist Paramedic with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust https://www.swast.nhs.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Chloe and John are final year paramedic students who have completed all clinical placements and gained employment as paramedics on the HCPC's Covid-19 Temporary Register. How do they feel about starting their paramedic careers earlier than planned, in the context of the pandemic? Ben Watts asks them what they are expecting, what support they are hoping for and what are their tips for any other students considering this option. This podcast links well with the College of Paramedics Student Paramedic Q&A Panel Discussion which took place on 8 April 2020 and may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeLNxrRXlOU Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Chloe and John are final year paramedic students at Oxford Brookes University https://www.brookes.ac.uk Ben is a Critical Care Paramedic with the Thames Valley Air Ambulance https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Introductory music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Roger Alcock discusses with Ben Watts the importance of non-technical skills for providing excellent patient care. A veteran of the 2014 UK response to the West Africa ebola crisis, Roger shares his experience of working in full PPE in the hot zone and subsequent experience as a patient in isolation and on the receiving end. How can we communicate effectively with one another and our patients, when we are in full PPE? What top tips will help us to improve practice during the pandemic? This is a not-to-be-missed episode offering unique insights into current challenges. Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Roger is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine & Paediatric Emergency Medicine, a Scottish Patient Safety Fellow (c5), and Emergency Medicine educational coordinator at the Scottish Centre for Simulation and Clinical Human Factors. https://scschf.org Ben is a Critical Care Paramedic with the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Introductory music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Ben Watts, Mark Faulkner and Wayne Auton discuss the various ways in which Critical Care Paramedics work and the challenges and changes brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. How are Critical Care Paramedics deployed? What has been the impact of Covid 19 on normal working practices? What lessons are being learned? This is a timely and important discussion which offers helpful advice for all paramedics and ambulance staff working during the pandemic. Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Ben is a Critical Care Paramedic with the Thames Valley Air Ambulance https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk Mark is Clinical Practice Development Manager: Critical Care at the London Ambulance Service https://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk Wayne is a Specialist Retrieval Practitioner with Scotland's Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) https://www.emrsscotland.org Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Introductory music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.

Ben Watts and Gary Strong discuss the importance of CPD and the challenges of doing CPD during the Covid 19 pandemic. How on earth do we keep our CPD up to date when we are under so much pressure? What learning opportunities are available right now? Follow this series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via#paracpd Gary is the National CPD Lead for the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Ben is a Critical Care Paramedic with the Thames Valley Air Ambulance https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk Podcast produced by the College of Paramedics https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk Introductory music by Rob Giles and The Stretch Report.