Canadian National Paramedic Research Agenda Planning Session

In 2013 a research paper was published called the "Canadian National Emergency Medical Services Research Agenda". This paper was like a road map that tried to increase the information or scientific evidence that could be used by ambulance services to improve the care they provide. Since then, ambulance services have changed, and paramedics not only work in ambulances but other parts of health care. In addition to emergency care, paramedics are involved in preventing diseases and caring for people in the community. They also help to direct patients to find the right care, rather than always driving them to the hospital. The focus of paramedics is on providing the right care, to the right patient, at the right time. In order for paramedics to continue to support the health of people who live in their communities, and provide valuable service to patients, it is important they have scientific evidence from research. One way to do that is to look for things that are stopping research from occurring, and things that are stopping research from being used. Our workshop brings together paramedics, doctors, researchers, and patients to look at the nearly 10 year old research agenda. This group will see if the research agenda needs updating, like a road map that is now out of date. From these talks a list of things that are preventing research and a list of things that will increase research will be made. This will lead in the future to a new road map to make sure that paramedics have the evidence they need to improve care. This will lead to better experiences for patients, and less costs to health care.