Developing a sustainable academic workforce in paramedicine

Paramedics are an integral part of the Australian healthcare system and are increasingly requested to provide a growing array of services in support of improved community health. Currently there are over 6,000 undergraduate paramedic students. A pressing challenge is the development and sustainability of a dedicated group of university paramedic academics. Urgent action is needed to: develop reliable sources of research funding; create smooth pathways for paramedic clinicians into academia; and, develop effective coalitions between ambulance agencies, paramedic professional groups and universities to ensure a sufficient number of paramedic academics are available to meet the educational needs of the profession. [Author abstract]