Traditionally known for emergency care and transferring people to hospital, paramedics have become an integral part of the multi-professional GP set-up.

Their training allows them to quickly and thoroughly assess a patient’s condition and judge the most immediate actions or treatments required.

In their daily roles, paramedics triage and see patients needing urgent ‘face-to-face’ same-day appointments and signpost them to the appropriate services.

They carry out investigations, including blood tests, undertake home visits to those who are housebound, and arrange patient referrals.

Their pre-hospital care background means they are used to dealing with a variety of health conditions ranging from minor injuries to severe illnesses like asthma and heart attacks.

David Tyler, a trainee advanced clinical practitioner and paramedic based in a GP practice in Hampshire. (Image: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight) David Tyler, a trainee advanced clinical practitioner and paramedic based in a GP practice in Hampshire, said: “I diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions and can also visit patients at home if they are unable to make it into the practice.

“I have been working as a paramedic in a GP practice for the last two years, and it is a job I really enjoy.

“My training to help patients in an emergency, along with experience working in the community, really helps in my role in a GP practice as I can quickly assess the needs of each patient and can quickly decide on what care is needed.”

David is currently training as advanced clinical practitioners under the supervision of a GP.

He added: “Through undertaking this training, I will be able to support our patients not only for urgent on-the-day care but also for the longer-term management of a variety of clinical cases.

“GP practices are busier than ever, and doctors are seeing record numbers of patients.

“Paramedics like me can free up GP time by helping people with less complicated medical needs and by offering home visits during the day.”

In March 2024, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ public information campaign to highlight the diverse specialists within GP practices.

This initiative aims to spotlight a different specialist role each month, focusing this month on the versatile role of paramedics.