We are a small community of paramedics who have developed expertise and shared interest in advancing mental health practice and knowledge within the profession. Aligning with the College of Paramedics’ strategic aim to support paramedic mental health and wellbeing, this group has two key workstreams specifically examining patient mental health care and treatment, and paramedic psychological health and wellbeing. We meet bi-monthly to discuss knowledge and learning within this field and its relevance to paramedicine, as well as key issues relating to the mental health of both patients and paramedics. Furthermore, individuals within the group represent our membership at national level meetings and engage with key stakeholders so that the paramedics voice is represented and heard.
Although only established in 2018, the notable workstreams and outputs from this group have included:
- Signing the Mind ‘Blue Light Time to Change’ pledge on behalf of the College of Paramedics.
- Working with and promoting collaboration between the College and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance – see: College of Paramedics - NSPA
- Representing our members during parliamentary discussions and national consultations such as the changes to the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act, and s.135/136 of the Mental Health Act in England and Wales.
- Examining latest research findings with some group members conducting their own studies.
- Developing role of specialist and advanced practice in mental health including devising post-graduate study to support this advancement.
- Developing curriculum guidance for paramedic students in respect of patient mental health and paramedic wellbeing.
- Representation on the National Ambulance Mental Health Group (AACE) for professional and clinical discussions – such as JRCALC clinical guidelines updates.
- Attended an in-person expert advisory group revising the NICE ‘Mental Wellbeing at Work’ Guideline NG212.
- Participated in the Mindfulness All Party Parliamentary Group hearing on the Armed Forces, Policing and Emergency Services at the House of Commons.
- Authored College of Paramedics endorsed books such as ‘Mental Health Care in Paramedic Practice’ and ‘The Ambulance Wellbeing and Resilience Workbook’.
- Future Workforce Mental Health Project – leading on and developing interventions to support a learning package for students and preceptorship supervisees including a wellbeing and recovery support tool. More details about the project are here: Future Workforce Mental Health & Wellbeing Project
- Mental Health Blog Series – with the aim of reducing stigma associated with mental health. This series features frontline paramedics and those in more senior positions talking about and sharing their lived experiences of mental health Blogs
For more information on this specialist interest group, please contact Ursula Rolfe at urolfe@bournemouth.ac.uk or Liz Harris – Liz.Harris@collegeofparamedics.co.uk