Principles of Palliative and End of Life Care for Paramedics

Description

Paramedics are often the first port of call for those requiring emergency medical attention and, as such, they frequently encounter patients who are receiving palliative or end of life care. But as professionals whose training focuses on how to save a life, how can they best deal with patients who are approaching the end of theirs? In this situation, paramedics often need to make the difficult decision as to whether it is appropriate to transfer their patient to hospital, a decision which can have a significant impact not only on the patient and their family, but also on the paramedic themselves. This means that it is vital for paramedics to have an understanding of palliative and end of life care. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the philosophy, ethics, symptom control, emergencies and psychosocial aspects that underpin palliative and end of life care in paramedic practice. Chapters are written by paramedics and specialists in palliative and end of life care, who have decades of experience in providing care for patients in the community. Clinical chapters feature paramedic case study scenarios, aimed at allowing the reader to think about applying theory to practice. This is the first book aimed solely at supporting paramedics in their role caring for palliative and end of life patients. Contents: 1. Death & Dying in Society 2. Defining Palliative Care 3. Palliative Care Emergencies 4. Symptom Control in Palliative Care 5. Enhanced Communication 6. Care of the Dying Patient in the Last Days of Life 7. Ethics 8. Resilience in Paramedic Practice 9. The Paramedic as a Palliative Care Specialist.