Independent prescribing is a key development in paramedic practice, enabling advanced practitioners to deliver accessible, person-centred care. Since 2018, paramedics working at an advanced level have been able to qualify as independent prescribers, enhancing clinical autonomy and improving patient outcomes across urgent, primary, and emergency care settings. This fully revised second edition is an essential resource for paramedics undertaking an independent prescribing course. Written by expert prescribers and specialist paramedic contributors, it blends clinical knowledge, regulatory insight, and real-world application to support safe, confident, and reflective prescribing practice. Key features include: New content on prescribing calculations, reflective practice, and sustainable healthcare Case studies from paramedics working in GP practices, urgent treatment centres, and ambulance services Practical tools for safe prescribing, including dosage calculations and clinical decision-making aids Updated guidance on medicines optimisation, public health, and prescribing for special groups Fully aligned with the latest College of Paramedics prescribing framework. Whether you're starting your prescribing journey or looking to develop your clinical role, this book offers the comprehensive guidance you need for effective and responsible paramedic prescribing.
Amanda Blaber has many years of experience in several higher education institutions, lecturing both nurses and paramedics in healthcare subjects, on both undergraduate and post graduate courses. Amanda is a freelance academic writer and editor. Clinically, Amanda's background is in emergency care, but more recently, she has contributed to the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and now does some work in primary care. Amanda has contributed to national education paramedic forums and curriculum design workshops. She has extensive knowledge and experience in curriculum design, validation processes and undertakes occasional consultancy work for the College of Paramedics. Amanda is an Honorary Fellow of the College of Paramedics and is extremely proud of the contribution she and her colleagues have made to the education of paramedics in the UK. Amanda is pleased to be able to co-edit this 2nd edition of Independent Prescribing for Paramedics, which is updated and also reflects the wide variety of clinical areas in which paramedics work. Amanda is also author/co-editor of Student Paramedic Survival Guide, Assessment Skills for Paramedics, Clinical Leadership for Paramedics, Independent Prescribing for Paramedics and the theoretical textbook Foundations. Amanda is extremely proud of her collaborations and bestselling, literary contributions to student paramedics reading lists. Andy Timlett is a Senior Lecturer in Acute Care, a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, and an Independent Prescriber. He is the Programme Lead for the Independent Prescribing programme at the University of Brighton and has published research on non-medical prescribing. Andy has clinical experience across intensive care and secondary care with particular interests in sustainable healthcare, prescribing practice, and diabetes management and education.
Chapter 1 Background and Introduction to Non-medical Prescribing Andy Timlett and Kate Turnough Chapter 2 Assessing Health: History Taking and Consultation Andy Timlett Chapter 3 Basic Pharmacology Andy Timlett and Tom Strivens Chapter 4 Calculations and Prescribing Tools Andy Timlett Chapter 5 Prescribing in Special Groups Tom Strivens and Andy Timlett Chapter 6 Therapeutics of Conditions Commonly Seen in Paramedic Practice Andy Timlett and Tom Strivens Chapter 7 Prescribing as Part of a Team Andy Timlett Chapter 8 Legal and Ethical Considerations Vince Clarke Chapter 9 Public Health and Prescribing Andy Timlett and Tom Yeats Chapter 10 Sustainability and Prescribing Andy Timlett Chapter 11 Medicines Optimisation Andy Timlett and Rachel Kaimakkami Chapter 12 Reflective Practice for Safe Prescribing Amanda Blaber and Claire Tinker
