Forum Oświatowe (Dec 2015)
Prospective Analysis of the Education System and Evaluation Methods of Medical Rescuers’ Qualifications
Abstract
The profession of medical rescuer was established in Poland about 20 years ago and now plays a crucial role in the State Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics should be highly qualified in implementing medical rescue activities. This paper presents the educational system of a two-year medical school and three-year first degree studies. First it assesses the unified professional exam for medical rescuers approved by Polish Central Examination Board. Currently, the labor market for rescue units is saturated, and paramedics are trained mainly on the undergraduate level. Under current law there is a lack of standardization of the paramedics’ final exam. The State Emergency Medical Exam project is in the public consultation phase and presents the general propositions for further discussion. Suggested changes in the system for evaluating medical rescuers are based on authors’ own experience and examples from other countries.