Paramedics

[barry1010]

When did we start using the word 'paramedic' in the UK? I'm sure it is a fairly recent thing

[chelle7272]

I've used the term since I was a child and I'm 49

[barry1010]

Thanks, chelle

[AuntPG]

https://www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk/COP/News/celebrating_the_50th_anniversary_of_the_inception_of_paramedics.aspx

[Chinajan]

Early 1970s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Baskett

[barry1010]

Thanks, all, fascinating how the role has advanced from an ambulance driver with a basic first-aid certificate to the paramedic of today.
I was sure they weren't called paramedics when I was a child, nice to know I am right and my memory hasn't let me down.

[Redhelen72]

When I was a child I was led to believe that paramedics where more specialist than ambulance personnel.
But now I think they are all trained to the same level

[barry1010]

No, they aren't, Redhelen. A paramedic is the most qualified, then there are emergency medical technicians and emergency care assistants (mainly fast response drivers).

Then there are the people who drive and crew non-emergency ambulances to transport patients between hospital and home when they have no other means of transport and need assistance, the Patient Transport Service.

[AuntPG]

I always thought Paramedics flew around in small cars on call for anything normal ambulance personnel were not allowed to do.

[sherrardk]

Boy #1 is studying to be a paramedic, the stuff they have to know and some of the things he has already been involved in/witnessed must obviously need those attending to have a very special skills set. Some then undertake further training to become specialist paramedics. There is way more to it than I thought.

[Redhelen72]

Well Barry I did say I think in my second paragraph and in my first I said they were specialist

[barry1010]

Some paramedics do whiz round in cars, on motorbikes and some in air ambulances. They are highly skilled.

[LeonBlank1995]

When I was a boy ALL nurses were called Sisters, whether nuns or not. And local GPs knew everybody by their first name and you could just walk in to the surgery and book an appointment - quite often just see them there and then.

[barry1010]

Leon, we are very lucky, my GP is still like that, he knows us all and we get same-day appointments when needed. We can't just walk in at the moment due to Covid but we could and we will again.

[AuntPG]

^^^ ant we arl ett brawn bred 'n lived dawn'pit lol!

[AuntPG]

that was to 'Leon''

[barry1010]

When I were a lad only senior nurses were called 'sisters'. They answered to 'matron' and 'nurse' answered to everyone.

[LeonBlank1995]

Indeed Barry, you have a good surgery there. I am fairly rural, but first you have to ring up an impatient receptionist. She takes all your details and gives you a "slot" in the next 4 days when the GP is going to ring you. Your GP then rings you and if he or she feels they need to see you you have to ring up the aforementioned receptionist and book an appointment in the next 3 days or so. Unless your arm is hanging off, absolute waste of time. Awful service.

[Sqad]

I don't like this doctor/ patient informality, never have never will.

GP,s treated patients with their personality rather than with drugs and dodgy counselling and it was all they could offer.
GP's in suits and consultant in white coats or suitably dressed.

Science and pharmacology along with psychological claptrap has taken over and replaced by informality and slovenly dress in many instances.

There are paramedics and paramedics, either well trained ambulance men ( St Johns) or paramedics medics worth their weight in gold. Matter of luck as to whom one gets.

[Smowball]

Still can’t get to see our doctor for love nor money - it’s been about 18 months now. Everything is a telephone consultation - though quite now they’re meant to diagnose a lump, or rash etc over the phone god knows!

[Sqad]

smow

//though quite now they’re meant to diagnose a lump, or rash etc over the phone god knows!//

I know.....and I'm not God.....I only think I am.