1. Introduction
Outreach Rescue is committed to ensuring that all interactions between student paramedics and service users adhere to ethical and legal principles of informed consent. This policy outlines the procedures student paramedics must follow when engaging with patients in practice-based learning environments.
2. Policy Statement
All student paramedics must obtain informed consent whenever possible from service users before engaging in any patient-facing activities. This ensures transparency, respects patient autonomy, and upholds professional standards.
3. Process for Obtaining Patient Consent
3.1 Identification of Student Status
All student paramedics will wear Outreach Rescue issued photo ID badges, clearly identifying their role as Student Paramedic (L6 Diploma in Paramedic Sciences). They will also wear a Student Paramedic Fob Watch. Together, these measures ensure that service users can easily identify the student’s role.
Students must introduce themselves using a phrase similar to the following:
“Hello, my name is [Full Name]. I am a Student Paramedic working under the supervision of a registered paramedic. May I assist in your care today?”
The supervising paramedic will monitor this process and provide assurance within their regular reporting mechanisms (Student monthly reports) that informed consent is sought when appropriate. The supervising paramedic will also reinforce the student’s role if required.
3.2 Informed Consent Procedure
- Verbal Consent: Students must explain their role, the nature of their involvement, and any procedures they will perform. Patients must be given the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to student involvement. Consent should be documented in the patient’s records by the supervising paramedic where required.
- Non-Verbal Consent: In some situations, consent may be implied through patient cooperation (e.g., extending an arm for a blood pressure check). However, verbal confirmation should always be sought when feasible.
- Withdrawal of Consent: Patients have the right to withdraw consent at any time. If a patient refuses student involvement, their decision must be respected, and the supervising paramedic must manage the situation appropriately.
3.3 Learner Consent
In addition to obtaining patient consent, Outreach Rescue recognises the importance of ensuring that learners also provide informed consent to participate in supervised practice activities. Learners will be asked to:
- Confirm their understanding of expectations in practice-based learning during induction.
- Provide signed consent that they are willing to engage in supervised clinical activities, with the right to raise concerns or withdraw from specific activities in line with Fitness to Practise and Safeguarding policies.
This process ensures that both service users and learners are fully informed and protected.
4. Adherence to Placement Provider Policies
Student paramedics must also comply with the specific consent and reporting procedures of the organisation where they are undertaking placement. These policies take precedence in situations where they impose additional safeguards.
Any concerns regarding the consent process or patient refusal must be escalated in accordance with both Outreach Rescue’s policies and those of the placement provider.
5. Monitoring and Compliance
Compliance with this policy will be monitored through:
- Placement evaluations and feedback from service users, practice educators, and supervising paramedics.
- Student monthly reports, which must confirm that informed consent was sought and obtained appropriately.
- Periodic review of learner reflective logs by Link Tutors to ensure ongoing compliance with consent procedures.
- GDPR compliance audits, ensuring that any recorded consent or withdrawal of consent is handled appropriately and securely.
Any breaches of this policy will be addressed through the Student Conduct and Fitness for Practice procedures.