Paramedic title is not correct

I feel I must write to the Star to address an article that you featured on January 10.

While I understand that Mrs Pullen and all the community responders are volunteers with the best of intentions, they are certainly NOT paramedics. The title paramedic is a registered and protected title.

Paramedics are qualified health professionals who are registered with the Health Professionals Council. Current training for paramedics involves a two-year university course.

Paramedics are trained and licensed to administer a range of controlled drugs for a variety of medical conditions, and to deal with trauma, maternity, paediatric emergencies, advanced life support, heart attacks, road traffic collision injuries, etc.

They also utilise advanced skills such as intubation, cannulation, cardiac pacing, autonomous defibrillation and thrombolysis on an almost daily basis.

Training for community responders involves a few evenings and a couple of weekends learning basic first aid. They are NOT registered health professionals. Bit of a difference.

I understand that CFRs volunteer with the best intentions, and for that I applaud them, but the sad truth of the matter is that they are being used as political pawns.

If it was one of your family suffering a heart attack, or being the casualty in an accident, would you prefer a qualified health professional or a first aider?

This is not a personal slur on CFRs, but let's get facts and job titles correct.

Name and address supplied