The genesis of the Australian Institute of Paramedic Practitioners (AIPP) began with three Critical Care Paramedics who had all recently graduated as Physician Assistants (PA). These innovators were Mr Greg Reaburn, Mr Andrew McDonell and Mr Scott Fyfe.  During (PA) clinical placement they all shared an immersive and diverse clinical experience and realised that paramedics, with additional primary care skills, can be a versatile and valuable addition to the wider healthcare system. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for paramedics to expand their primary care skills within and outside of ambulance services they formed AIPP.

The first steering committee meeting to form AIPP was held on the 4^th of November 2019. The College constitution was developed and the AIPP became a not-for profit registered company by limited guarantee on the 15^th of December 2019. A Board was created, and two independent Board members were invited to join the College. Bob Aley continues to provide invaluable experience and strategic wisdom to AIPP.

AIPP began to communicate the concept of paramedics, with additional primary care skills, working more broadly within the healthcare system. We were continually referred to ambulance services. It seemed the paramedic profession was perceptually stuck … “rushing people to hospital with lights and sirens”. It is important to note that these fundamental beliefs were widespread across healthcare systems, including ambulance services and paramedicine.

Today, AIPP has a broad membership base, both in Australia and internationally. Our membership and directors are actively working with local health officials and government agencies to advance the use of paramedics, especially those with advanced practice skills, like Paramedic Practitioners, to help meet current burdens and gaps that exist within the healthcare system, via a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

Although we are a small voice within the advanced practice space of Paramedicine, we are a loud voice that is patient-focused, collaborative and actively working towards evolving Paramedic Practitioners as a key component within current and future healthcare system reforms. 

Paramedics encounter the entire spectrum of patient presentations. They are trained to assess, make decisions, and commence treatment. They do this with a high degree of autonomy. AIPP finds it preposterous that paramedics are restricted in their practice.

• – A dual-qualified nurse/paramedic cannot autonomously practice their paramedic skills whilst working as a nurse in a hospital.
• – Paramedics cannot use medication they are trained, experienced, and authorised to use, unless working for an ambulance service or for an “authorised” employer. 
• – Paramedics have no access to funding that other health professionals take for granted. This applies not only to the direct provision of services (e.g. Medicare item) but also to scholarships, study costs, grants, etc.
• – Paramedics are largely ignored by workforce planners, policy makers, governments, and regulatory authorities. Paramedics are not seen as a potential member or leaders of a multidisciplinary team.

The evolution of paramedics into the broader health care system is highly complex and will take time and patience, but it is inevitable. Besides creating pathways to employment AIPP also aims to set standards for education and professional practice. For the sake of the evolving profession AIPP encourages individuals, agencies, paramedics, health professionals, employers, educators, government, policy makers, workforce planners, regulatory authorities, and the community, to review these standards.

Click on our titles below to learn more about the Position Descriptions and Practice Frameworks to advance paramedic advanced practice.