With increasing prevalence, paramedics are commonly dispatched to pre-hospital settings where mental health and mental illness are essential considerations in paramedic practice and approaches to treatment. Mental Health and Mental Illness in Paramedic Practice is the first text of its kind – a resource specifically written by expert clinicians and academics solely for the Australian and New Zealand paramedic context. The text introduces fundamental concepts and theories in mental health and mental illness in the context of paramedic principles of care. It delves into topics such as person-centred mental healthcare; communication and the therapeutic relationship; and legal and ethical issues – all within the realm of paramedic practice. The textbook steps students through common patient presentations in the pre-hospital setting and offers practical guidance in applying appropriate approaches to treatment. - Case studies accompanied by critical thinking questions are incorporated throughout to assist with application to practice - Demonstrates relevance to real-life scenarios through consumer vignettes and paramedic stories - Special considerations embedded in each chapter, including: cultural considerations; ethics and ethical dilemmas; inter-professional practice, application and considerations; and ongoing care / other modes of care - Review questions included at the end of each chapter to ensure reflection on key topics and concepts - Strong focus on evidence-based research and practice - Core components of undergraduate paramedicine addressed - An eBook included in all print purchases

Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent in today’s society and it has been estimated that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. The increase in mental health complaints has also affected the volume of calls to 999 in which paramedics are regularly called to address patients’ mental health concerns. The complexities and nuances within mental health means that many paramedics feel underprepared when managing patients who are experiencing mental distress. Mental Health Care in Paramedic Practice is the first guide written specifically for paramedics to support them in understanding a range of different mental health conditions which they may come across during their practice. Not only does the book provide key information on recognising and managing a range of conditions, but it also includes case studies written by paramedics with first-hand experience of managing mental health calls. It also includes a section on legislative changes and policy descriptions as well as interprofessional working. This book is essential for anyone wanting to better understand how to care for patients with mental health concerns within the prehospital setting, including both experienced and aspiring paramedics.

This book addresses the theoretical elements of paramedic courses including psychology and sociology and provides clear links to practice.

Driven by changes to clinical practice, new evidence-based research, and shifts in global economics and politics, the field of paramedic science is rapidly evolving. This new edition of Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice offers students and recently qualified practitioners an accessible and comprehensive introduction to paramedic science and pre-hospital care, providing expert and up-to-date guidance on the essential theories and real-world practice of this dynamic area of emergency medicine. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this user-friendly textbook provides broad and inclusive coverage of topics including professionalism, law and ethics, assessment skills, research methods, pharmacology and more. Contributions from experienced paramedics and clinicians, contemporary case studies, full-colour illustrations and powerful pedagogical tools help students gain a thorough understanding of the essential components of paramedic practice. Employs a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the study of paramedic practice, presenting theoretical and clinical topics in a straightforward and student-friendly manner New chapters on toxicology, medical terminology and low acuity care in paramedicine, with an increased focus on mental health Includes new end-of-chapter learning activities and quizzes, case studies and references, charts and diagrams Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice: A Systems Approach is an invaluable resource for undergraduate paramedic and emergency care students as well as qualified paramedics, clinicians and educators seeking an authoritative reference on current practice.

THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS Explore this innovative new volume covering the growing mental health crisis amongst healthcare practitioners In The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Practitioners, accomplished researchers and authors Esther Murray and Jo Brown deliver an insightful exploration of the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing mental health improvement within the healthcare system through a range of practical examples and cases. The book also explores the possibilities available to professionals to talk about their mental health using “borrowed” words and concepts, and uncovers structural and social concerns that prevent practitioners from accessing the time and space they need to address their mental health concerns. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of topics such as: Borrowed words in emergency medicine and how moral injury makes spaces for talking Finding a voice through medical student engagement in creative enquiry Using language and discourse to explore queer identities in medicine Stress and mental wellbeing in emergency medical dispatchers and paramedics Perfect for healthcare students, professionals, and researchers in the fields of medicine, medical education, psychology, and sociology, The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Practitioners will also earn a place in the libraries of healthcare management professionals and regulators.

"Law and Ethics for Paramedics is the first book which really grapples with the application of law and ethics in the unique situations that paramedics and other prehospital professionals find themselves. The book is clear, concise and eminently readable, but most of all, useful to operational ambulance clinicians and their managers." Tim Kilner, Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science, University of Worcester, UK Written by paramedics for paramedics, this resource provides you with all the key information you will need to know as you navigate your way through the, often tricky and, complicated area of law and ethics in paramedic practice. Eleven contributing authors, each with their own perspectives and clinical backgrounds, explain the essential principles and apply these across the whole of the UK. Chapters cover a range of topics including: Information governance Mental capacity Clinical negligence Paramedic use of social media Assessment and treatment of children Medicines management. Each topic is broken down into practical chunks with many chapters supported by case studies to help relate the content to paramedic practice. Sixteen case studies, on topics from resuscitation to consent, and useful top tips will help you develop, reflect on and consider your own ethical practice. The law and how it relates to your practice can be complex, but with the help of this handy guide you will quickly gain confidence and insight into the legislation surrounding this vital aspect of paramedic practice.

An essential text for the aspiring student paramedic, Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice makes paramedic science and pre-hospital care accessible, straightforward and exciting. It assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, presenting the must-have information that students need about both the theory and practice of what it means to be a paramedic. With extensive full-colour illustrations throughout, as well as activities and scenarios, this user-friendly textbook will support paramedic students throughout their course.

Paramedics have seldom been included in discussions of mental health care and yet play a significant role in the chain of mental health care for many. This thesis explores the nature of paramedic work and the mental health and psychosocial calls encountered by paramedics in the community. This project is a case study of mental health and psychosocial calls in paramedicine in Ontario and was designed to explore the care provided by paramedics on mental health and psychosocial calls, the training and resources for these calls, and the experiences of paramedics in managing these calls. Using both a feminist political economy and social determinants of health approach, this thesis explores questions around care provision on the front lines, but also beyond into community mental health services and to the social determinants of health impacting an individuals need for care from paramedic services. I conducted interviews with front-line paramedics, paramedic services management, paramedic educators and Base Hospital physicians/managers; observation in three paramedic services including urban, rural/suburban and rural with varying degrees of engagement on the issue of mental health in paramedicine; and document analyses of the standards guiding paramedic practice in this area. This thesis reframes issues of mental health calls in paramedicine from an issue of misuse of emergency services, to one which accounts for the contexts creating distress as well as existing constraints for work and care. Findings from this study support enhanced training and education for paramedics, specific mental health related programming for paramedic services, as well as the importance of working conditions for both care providers and care recipients. I argue that there must be a balance between efforts placed on establishing appropriate supports for managing mental health and psychosocial calls as well as addressing necessary training and education in this area, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient focus remains at the level of prevention at the broader social, political, and economic determinants of physical and mental health.

"This book is too good for one profession. It needs to be read by those in all safety-critical industries." Martin Bromiley OBE FRCSEd (ad hom), Founder, Clinical Human Factors Group "I would highly recommend this book, not only to paramedics but also to their colleagues in healthcare. It has been written by a premier league team of human factors specialists and frontline experts who share their knowledge and experience of applying human factors science to paramedic practice." Rhona Flin, Professor of Industrial Psychology, Robert Gordon University, UK "This book will be essential reading for paramedics in all practice settings as it covers the key elements which will allow paramedics to better understand the complex sociotechnical realities of the care they provide to patients." Andy Collen, author of Decision Making in Paramedic Practice The system elements of paramedic practice are interconnected and complex. These elements can include the patient, the paramedic and their colleagues, the environment, the equipment, the tasks, and the processes and procedures of the organisation. Considering the socio-technical realities of care that paramedics provide are so complex, how can you best meet these challenges to support safe and effective practice as a clinician? Written as an introduction to the discipline of human factors, the authors highlight key principles and theories and relate these to aspects of paramedic practice. Containing practical prehospital examples, this resource provides a firm understanding of systems thinking and design, enabling you to look for instances where the principles of human factors might be applied in your own practice. Accompanied by 40 full-colour images, chapters cover key topics including: ‘Human error’ Systems thinking Human-centred design Interaction with the patient Well-being of the paramedic Safety culture Non-technical skills of individuals and teams. Whether you are a pre-hospital care professional who is involved in education, learning from events, procurement, or influencing safety culture, you will benefit from the tools and techniques provided throughout.

Mental Health in Emergency Care takes a practical, scenario-based approach to help students and recent graduates hone their knowledge and skills to address the mental health needs of people presenting to emergency care settings. Featuring typical presentations across community, pre-hospital and hospital contexts, the scenarios demonstrate how clinicians can identify underlying mental health issues that can often go undetected and contribute to poor health outcomes. Mental Health in Emergency Care provides a framework for thinking about mental health in emergency settings, and how to develop mental health knowledge and skills that can be applied in order to provide more holistic care to all patients. Emphasis on mental health core principles for practice - recovery, person-centered, trauma informed care, collaborative practice, cultural safety Focus on essential mental health nursing skills and the importance of mental health triage and assessment as part of a comprehensive approach 18 scenarios written for clinicians, by clinicians, based on typical presentations across community, pre-hospital and hospital contexts Red flags for possible mental health issues provide practical support Includes lived experience perspectives for in-depth understanding Provides relevant information on what to say and what to do in an emergency setting A focus on self-care within emergency care settings An eBook included with print purchase