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http://dx.doi.org/10.14408/KJEMS.2018.22.1.007

Policy suggestions to educate and produce outstanding paramedics in Korea  

Choi, Eun-Sook (Department of Emergency Medical Service, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University)
Koh, Bong-Yeun (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Dongnam Health University)
Park, Hee-Jin (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Seoyeong University)
Kim, Hyo-Sik (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Cheju Halla University)
Kwon, Hay-Rran (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Gwangju Health University)
Choi, Hea-Kyung (Department of Emergency Medical Service, Eulji University)
Lee, Kyoung-Youl (Department of Emergency Medical Service, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University)
Yun, Jong-Geun (Department of Emergency Medical Service, Honam University)
Hong, Sung-Gi (Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Dongnam Health University)
Cho, Keun-Ja (Department of Emergency Medical Service, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University)
Publication Information
The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services / v.22, no.1, 2018 , pp. 7-19 More about this Journal
Abstract
Purpose: With the purpose of educating and producing outstanding paramedics by enhancing their competencies, this study aimed to make policy suggestions to re-establish the education system and improve the national examination and the certification scheme. Methods: This study used focus group interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Totally, there were 277 subjects, including experts from the education and field. Data were collected from September 9 to 20, 2016, and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: To strengthen the curriculum of paramedics, this study suggested 27 courses with 94 credits as the standardized curriculum and derived 9 core competencies of paramedics. For the national examination, this study suggested consolidating written test subjects, adding scenario questions to practical tests, and applying critical criteria to simple practical tests that performs a procedure, grading these tests on a pass/fail basis. In addition, this study suggested converting certification into license, reflecting paramedics' healthcare job characteristics. Conclusion: The quality of emergency medical services in Korea will improve when those with core competencies that originated from the standardized curriculum based on the results of this study acquire their certification through the national test scheme, and the certification management system creates a virtuous cycle to further enhance paramedics' professionalism.
Keywords
Paramedics; Curriculum; Core competency; License; Korea;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
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