Enhancing paramedic care at end of life: Policy Brief

Abstract

Paramedics play a vital role in end of life care, attending patients and families at home via ambulance calls, often during moments of acute crisis. However, this research conducted across England highlights critical challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective care to individuals in the last year of life. Key barriers include limited training in palliative and end of life care, poor integration with wider health and social care systems, and restricted access to patient records, essential medicines and clinical advice. These issues can lead to less than adequate care experiences for patients and distress among families and paramedics alike.

This policy brief outlines key findings and actionable recommendations to improve paramedic preparedness, build professional confidence, and foster stronger system-wide collaboration. Addressing these will enable ambulance paramedics to better support individuals at end of life with dignity and compassion.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Natasha Campling: orcid.org/0000-0002-4158-7894

ORCID for Syd Anstee: orcid.org/0000-0002-1462-9446

ORCID for Sue Latter: orcid.org/0000-0003-0973-0512

ORCID for Alison Richardson: orcid.org/0000-0003-3127-5755

ORCID for Joanne Turnbull: orcid.org/0000-0002-5006-4438

Catalogue record

Export record

Altmetrics