Abstract
Introduction
Paramedic physical fitness is an important requirement for the safe completion of job-related tasks; however, it is unclear what the specific fitness requirements should be and how to assess them. Understanding the requirements established by ambulance services and how tertiary education programs prepare undergraduate student paramedics for these is vital.
Aim
The objective of this scoping review is to identify, map, and understand the extent and types of existing evidence relating to paramedic physical fitness, physical fitness requirements and standards for the role, and preparation of student paramedics for those requirements and standards.
Methods
Following the protocol registered with Open Science Framework (OSF) (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BJQCY), a scoping review of the literature was conducted using seven databases and search engines. Grey and unpublished literature were searched using Google, Google Scholar, Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO), MedNar, Trove, and ProQuest Dissertations, as well as the Theses Global database. Program or course specific documents were also sourced and accessed directly from university paramedicine courses and Ambulance Services where possible. Articles were uploaded to Covidence systematic review software. Articles were included if they examined paramedics or emergency medical technicians and physical health, fitness, physical employment standards, physical training, physical activity, fitness training or physical capacity. Data extracted included: authorship, publication year, participants, concepts, contexts, study methods and key findings relevant to the review question/s. A deductive basic qualitative analysis approach was taken to describe categories through a process of open coding, as guided by JBI scoping review recommendations.
Results
107 sources were identified as eligible for inclusion. These relate to paramedicine in Australasia, Canada, England, the United States and South Africa. Further reporting will be conducted as per the PRISMA-SCR checklist and explanation.
Conclusion
Limited information, from several countries, was available to address the aims of the review. Specific conclusions will be based on data collection and analyses.
Paramedic physical fitness is an important requirement for the safe completion of job-related tasks; however, it is unclear what the specific fitness requirements should be and how to assess them. Understanding the requirements established by ambulance services and how tertiary education programs prepare undergraduate student paramedics for these is vital.
Aim
The objective of this scoping review is to identify, map, and understand the extent and types of existing evidence relating to paramedic physical fitness, physical fitness requirements and standards for the role, and preparation of student paramedics for those requirements and standards.
Methods
Following the protocol registered with Open Science Framework (OSF) (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BJQCY), a scoping review of the literature was conducted using seven databases and search engines. Grey and unpublished literature were searched using Google, Google Scholar, Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO), MedNar, Trove, and ProQuest Dissertations, as well as the Theses Global database. Program or course specific documents were also sourced and accessed directly from university paramedicine courses and Ambulance Services where possible. Articles were uploaded to Covidence systematic review software. Articles were included if they examined paramedics or emergency medical technicians and physical health, fitness, physical employment standards, physical training, physical activity, fitness training or physical capacity. Data extracted included: authorship, publication year, participants, concepts, contexts, study methods and key findings relevant to the review question/s. A deductive basic qualitative analysis approach was taken to describe categories through a process of open coding, as guided by JBI scoping review recommendations.
Results
107 sources were identified as eligible for inclusion. These relate to paramedicine in Australasia, Canada, England, the United States and South Africa. Further reporting will be conducted as per the PRISMA-SCR checklist and explanation.
Conclusion
Limited information, from several countries, was available to address the aims of the review. Specific conclusions will be based on data collection and analyses.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 19 Jul 2024 |
| Event | 2024 Australasian College of Paramedicine Research Symposium - Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia Duration: 18 Jul 2024 → 19 Jul 2024 https://paramedics.org/events/RS24 https://paramedics.org/research-symposium/details#:~:text=The%20Research%20Symposium%20will%20be,and%2019th%20of%20July%202024. (Symposium website) https://paramedics.org/research-symposium/program (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | 2024 Australasian College of Paramedicine Research Symposium |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Influence and Inspire: Advancing the Paramedicine Research Agenda for Australasia. |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Brisbane |
| Period | 18/07/24 → 19/07/24 |
| Other | Aligned with the research priorities identified in the Research Agenda for Australasian Paramedicine, the theme of the 2024 Australasian College of Paramedicine Research Symposium aims to highlight the crucial role of paramedic research in shaping and advancing emergency care. This year, the symposium will provide an opportunity for novice and emerging paramedicine researchers to share their innovative findings, demonstrating how their research has the potential to bring positive change to the field and enhance the standard of care delivered by paramedics. |
| Internet address |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Fit to graduate? The physical and physiological job readiness of paramedicine students – a scoping review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Prizes
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ACP Research Symposium - Best poster
Sheridan, S. (Recipient), 19 Jul 2024
Prize: Award › External award