Paramedic-driven research

In every medical specialty, and most aspects of health care, research drives improvements in care and systems.¹ Paramedicine is an emerging health profession. Paramedics have become increasingly involved in conducting important emergency medical services (EMS) research. This has led to publication of scholarly articles changing clinical and operational practice. In Canada, paramedic researchers have struggled to find the right home base to pursue EMS research. It is time to establish a national framework to propel paramedic-driven research forward. Formal training, mentorship, protected time and funding opportunities are essential to the success of paramedic researchers. EMS services must work collaboratively with governments, base hospitals, universities, and other stakeholders to fund paramedic clinician-researchers; this infusion of support will result in a burst of scholarly work specific to paramedic practice that will inform and improve clinical practice and operational performance.