New specialist paramedics deployed across the region

They have been in place since October after being recruited following a rigorous selection process and undergoing advanced clinical training.

The aim of using the specialists is to free up emergency crews to deal with those who are seriously ill and who need to be treated in hospital.

Their advanced clinical skills mean they can deal with more patients on the scene, getting them the right help in the right place, and referring them on to appropriate services were necessary.

In the first few months of operation they have already attended over 1,000 patients, of which less than 35 per cent were taken to hospital.

Dr Leon Roberts, executive nedical director for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), said: “This role is fantastic news for our staff, patients and the wider health system.

“It means more and more patients will be able to receive treatment in the most appropriate setting for them, reducing unnecessary trips to hospital and ensuring they get the care they really need.

“At the same time this frees up our crews to attend the most seriously ill patients who really do need to attend the emergency department.

“We’ve had some great feedback from colleagues across the health system in the first weeks of operation and we’re looking forward to being able to expand the service further next year.”

Examples of how the service has so far worked include a volunteer community responder attending a nursing home, where a patient had a head wound.

The responder specifically requested a specialist practitioner who attended and took a detailed background history of the patient, dealt with the wound and was able to keep them in the home, preventing admission to hospital.

A crew also attended a patient with complex medical needs, and requested a specialist practitioner for a second opinion.

Through shared decision-making with the patient, a decision was then taken about where to refer them which avoided an unnecessary hospital admission.

The role was created in response to staff and patient feedback and it is hoped it will offer an alternative career progression opportunity for staff.