A Rapid Review of Pandemic Studies in Paramedicine

Abstract

Introduction The spread of COVID-19 has challenged the paramedic community’s ability to provide health care, maintain personal safety, and implement evidence informed decisions and programs. The study objective was to examine the published literature related to paramedicine and pandemics. Methods A rapid review of research derived from an existing broad database of literature generated between 2006 and 2019 was used. We conducted a targeted secondary search of this database to identify studies of pandemics in paramedicine contexts and included three levels of screening. We used content analysis to identify broad themes and subthemes, and provide summaries and descriptions of each. Results From 54,638 citations, our search identified 24 citations representing eight countries. The most common method of enquiry was cross-sectional survey (n=10). Five broad themes (and 15 subthemes) were identified: general planning and preparedness (impact to paramedic service operations, roles and responsibilities, communication centre preparedness, paramedic service preparedness, training); workforce (availability of personal protective equipment, safety of family, perception of risk, trust in the organisation); ethics (duty, resource allocation); (triage (needless exposure to infection, transmission of disease); and vaccination (vaccination information, organisational readiness). Conclusion The evidence base describes the importance of pandemic planning and preparedness for emergency medical services and integrating these activities into broader public health and healthcare system plans. Although this rapid review provides a foundation to support response plans and research, it is considered ‘just in time’ for the evolving pandemic, and further work understanding research in paramedicine and pandemics is recommended.

Emergency clinicians’ knowledge, preparedness and experiences of managing COVID-19 during the 2020 global pandemic in Australian healthcare settings

“…Studies have reported that extensive and regular training for pandemics (e.g. mandatory yearly competency-based training and education programs with skill based drills) would enable nurses and paramedics to feel more prepared and confident in their abilities in care for patients [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] . In addition, clear leadership and clear directives from management early on in the pandemic is critical to preparedness and planning [40] , [41] .…”

Emerging Concepts in the Paramedicine Literature to Inform the Revision of a pan-Canadian Competency Framework for Paramedics: A Restricted Review

“…While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased virtual care and telehealth delivery by paramedic services [34,35], we still lack a clear understanding of the role of paramedics as virtual care providers, primary care extenders, and facilitators of virtual care visits. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the benefits of keeping people out of hospital if they can be cared for at home or in their community [34].…”

Emerging Concepts in the Paramedicine Literature to Inform the Revision of a pan-Canadian Competency Framework for Paramedics: A Restricted Review

“…While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased virtual care and telehealth delivery by paramedic services [33,34], we still lack a clear understanding of the role of paramedics as virtual care providers, primary care extenders, and facilitators of virtual care visits. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the benefits of keeping people out of hospital if they can be cared for at home or in their community [33].…”