Our Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) treat patients with non-urgent illnesses and injuries in their home. Find out how ECPs can help your GP clinic and community.
Find out how ECPs can help your GP clinic and community.
Reducing the strain on the health system
We have seen a growing number of low acuity patients calling 111 each year. An ECP is a registered paramedic who will assess and treat patients with non-urgent health needs in the patient’s home. They’ll then send an ambulance care summary to the patient’s GP and can refer the patient to other health providers if needed.
Keeping emergency ambulance services for those most in need
An ECP can help free up emergency ambulances for patients with life-threatening conditions while providing face-to face care in the community.
Boost regional health capacity
An ECP works alongside other clinicians in a GP clinic, integrated family health centre or rural hospital to assess and treat low acuity patients.
Fill workforce gaps
An ECP can help primary health services to provide after-hours care where there is a shortage of GPs and/or nurses, reducing strain on the existing workforce.
How you can work with an ECP
To volunteer to host an ECP for their clinical placement, please contact the Hato Hone St John Clinical Directorate or email clinical.excellence@stjohn.org.nz. We’ll send you a request form to fill out and then we’ll work together to address your needs.
We want to increase the number of ECPs across the country. This expansion will include ECPs working in rural areas to work alongside GP clinics and rural hospitals, while also supporting ambulance services in smaller communities which rely on volunteers.
Want to become an Extended Care Paramedic?
If you’re a registered nurse or have been clinically trained, becoming an ECP might be a great next move for you. Contact us via email to find out more.