By Dr John Martin, Chief Executive, South Western Ambulance Service
The new AACE Chief Paramedic Group marks a significant step forward for the profession.
Focused on leadership, supervision and professional development, the group aims to recognise the skills and experience that chief paramedics can bring at ambulance board level whilst strengthening collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
The paramedic profession has grown significantly since its inception around 40 years ago, and as the NHS landscape continues to change it is essential that all healthcare professions – including paramedics – are well represented and supported in shaping the future of patient care.
This is why the formation of the AACE Chief Paramedic Group is such an important milestone. This initiative marks a significant step toward advancing the paramedic profession, sharing practice on matters related to the profession and out-of-hospital care, and ensuring we are aligned with other healthcare sectors in providing the highest standard of care.
The new chief paramedic post plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the development, advocacy and professional growth of paramedics across the country within ambulance trusts. Responsibility for ensuring appropriate clinical supervision systems are in place is key for ambulance service chief paramedics, alongside other clinical leaders.
The chief paramedic serves as both an advocate and a guiding force, ensuring that paramedics have the support, resources and training needed to deliver high-quality care.
The Chief Paramedic Group is not here to replace or overshadow the work of other groups within AACE such as NASMED (medical directors) and QIGARD (quality, improvement, governance and risk directors). Rather, it complements the other professional roles at board level, creating stronger collaboration within organisations and with system partners to improve patient care.
The group has clear objectives aimed at furthering the profession and creating a sustainable, skilled and respected workforce with a focus in year one on clinical supervision.
Jaqui Lindridge, Chief Paramedic Officer, South East Coast Ambulance Service said:
The development of the chief paramedic role is a significant step in progressing the future of paramedicine in the ambulance sector.
The new AACE Chief Paramedic Group represents a valuable resource for learning and collaboration, and I am delighted to join my colleagues in progressing the professional leadership and development agenda and acting as a conduit for the paramedic voice in improving our services for the benefit of service users.
Andy Swinburn, Executive Director of Paramedicine at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and Chair of the Chief Paramedic Group, said:
“I am truly honoured and delighted to be chairing the Chief Paramedic Group, a role that reflects the collective commitment of paramedic leaders across the UK to drive innovation and excellence in our profession. This group provides an invaluable platform to shape the future of paramedicine and the ambulance services we lead, ensuring the highest standards of care for the communities we serve.
As a united voice for paramedic leadership, the Chief Paramedic Group will bring enhanced collaboration, strategic insight and innovative thinking to the ambulance sector. Together as a group and alongside the existing peer group network, we aim to influence improvements and improve patient outcomes within the urgent and emergency care sector while supporting the development of our paramedic and wider clinical workforce.
I look forward to working with my esteemed colleagues as we lead this exciting and critical work.”
