Is prehospital care really a profession?

Abstract

The movement of the ambulance industry toward a professional standing has been gaining momentum for some years. This has been in part due to the education of the paramedics, the formation of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals and the recognition of interstate qualifications. This paper takes a formal definition of professionalism to evaluate the changes that have taken place over time and further, what changes need to take place. Even so, this article argues that while significant progress has been made further developments are required to meet a formal definition of professionalism. Undertaking such an evaluation may seem a fruitless exercise nonetheless such an evaluation highlights areas that can be addressed with minimal resources.