Mind if I jump in? I have been a paramedic for almost 30 years. I still see patients whose diagnosis I am lost on when I arrive at the hospital. However, I expect myself to be able to identify where there are deficits in the patient's presetation, and manage them.
I don't think it is unreasonable to expect the same of paramedic students or new hires, within a reasonable success rate. What I mean is that I wouldn't expect someone I'm precepting to do a good job 100% of the time. That said, I think that a preceptee (student or new hire) should be expected to manage (team lead) patient contacts in a safe, timely, appropriate manner that is within the jurisdiction's treatment guidelines (standard of care, protocols, etc.). I also think that the bar should be set at "entry level" paramedic, regardless of whether the preceptee is a student or a new employee or new volunteer member. Just my $.02. BN
