NHS needs more advanced paramedics to ease A & E pressure, says NICE

NICE is recommending the NHS provides more advanced paramedic practitioners (APPs) to relieve pressure on emergency departments, in new draft guidance. Evidence reviewed by NICE shows that using APPs can reduce hospital admissions by 13% compared with standard paramedics. APPs are able to treat patients in the community, refer them to a GP or decide if they should go to hospital. They can administer stronger pain relief compared with standard paramedics and are able to assess if a wound need stitches. A previous British Medical Journal study suggests that for each APP, the NHS can save up to £72,000 a year. They can be used on the