The 'seesaw balance of frustration and contentment'. Retention in the world of frontline ambulance staff with Carl Betts

In this conversation I talk with Carl Betts about his reflections on paramedic retention in contemporary practice. Carl is a paramedic and quality improvement lead based in Sheffield working for the ambulance service. He has been a paramedic for 10 years and also has a 10-year extensive history of expeditions across the globe.  We examine this article, Carl’s motivations for writing it, and pull out some of the salient learning points from his reflection in this interview. We examine some of the metaphorical warning lights that Carl describes (demand, resourcing, external management pressure), the spill over of GP work, e-consult and exponential rise of primary care. We also examine current hospital handover times, the central pivot and reason for staying in the role (patients) & the frustration seesaw that clinicians find themselves on. We also explore what the ‘outs’ and opportunities there are at the moment for paramedics, we also look at mental burnout and how should things change to avoid frustration and burn out, and finally a seminal case in reference to the conversation from Carl's experience.  The reflection can be found here: https://wordpress.com/page/prehospitalcarepodcast335905859.wordpress.com/3 The rotational paramedic proposals can be found here: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/paramedics/rotating-paramedics https://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Feasability%20Study%20of%20the%20Rotating%20Paramedics%20Pilot%20-%20Final.pdf The future proposals from AACE can be found here: http://aace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Ambulance-2020-and-beyond-the-AACE-vision.pdf This podcast is brought to you in association with BHA Medical. BHA medical source, supply and implement innovative medical technology and solutions across the globe. BHA provide market leading services in covid 19 testing kits, medical products, smart technology and consultancy. One of their most innovative recent products is the D heart: D-Heart is the first portable ECG device that is simple to use, clinically reliable, affordable and makes use of a smartphone. It allows anyone to perform a hospital-level ECG in total autonomy with the option to send the results to the 24/7 tele-cardiology service or to your trusted doctor. D-Heart allows you to track your heart health, explain possible unclear symptoms or to monitor the efficacy of medication. D-Heart will allow you to become an engaged partner in the management of your health. You can record an ECG whenever you have symptoms and share it with your trusted physician and to establish a shared decision-making process. The image-processing and artificial intelligence will guide you to the correct electrode placement by showing you an image of your own chest with virtual marks placed where you should apply the electrodes. More information on the D heart can be found here: https://www.bha-medical.com/d-heart-ecg-mobile-device More information on BHA medical can be found here: https://www.bha-medical.com/