This is an area, I am very interested in being involved. Maine is beginning this concept in rural areas. One of the Maine Comm Colleges has started a program, you must have at least an associate's degree in order to participate in the program. Yet, I am a certified paramedic.
I find this to be great for EMS. It gives another area of advancement in EMS, and a great outlook to its future. The use of EMS, in some aspects, has worn down the financial aspect of healthcare. I am not saying at all, do away with what we do now, or is unimportant, or is the reason for the current financial difficulties in healthcare. Yet, anyone who is involved in EMS knows that quite a few in the system, are illiterate to using it properly or know they are taking advantage of it. How many times on responses have we wanted to say, you don't need to go to the hospital. As a paramedic, my protocols state, I cannot insinuate to a patient not to go to the hospital or else it will end up in the revocation of my license. It would be wonderful if the practice was expanded that this could happen. I am not saying take medics without the proper training to do this.
National Registry standards are looking to extend the scope of practice of paramedics in many areas. It just gives so many other options in EMS. I will be continuing into nursing, but I want to be able to pursue this initiative. The only reason I am continuing towards nursing is to give credibility in Community Paramedicine. Out of facility healthcare I believe is the future. It is not a replacement, just another tool that will help to educate and serve society.