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Winter is near and the media shall soon begin its yearly forewarnings of undue strain that the season brings upon the NHS. In this news feature, Alistair Quaile examines whether these warnings are genuine or mere hyperbole, and considers the causes of winter pressure, as well as what the NHS can do to combat these seasonal demands.

Since April 2015, the number of refugees and migrants living in the Calais ‘Jungle’ has increased from 1 500 to over 7 000, yet it has still not been awarded validated refugee camp status. Alistair Quaile visited the camp and talked to some of the health professionals who have volunteered to provide basic health care to its inhabitants

New draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggests that the NHS provide more advanced paramedics with enhanced training in order to alleviate pressures on emergency department services. Alistair Quaile takes a closer look at these recommendations and provides some insight into the bigger picture

Recent figures published by the charity Mind highlight the prevalence of mental health problems suffered by members of the ambulance service. Alistair Quaile reports on the current systems in place to support staff and the attempts being made to reduce the stigma attached to mental health.

With the NHS facing one of its most challenging periods since its inception almost 68 years ago, Alistair Quaile reports on this year's Ambulance Leadership Forum, which focused on the future look and feel of ambulance service provision.

In April, the Association of Air Ambulances published a report highlighting that landing facilities at UK hospitals were inadequate. Alistair Quaile takes a look some of the reasons for this shortfall and considers the obstacles that have to be overcome if this problem is to be addressed.

While unacceptable, attacks on paramedics seem to have become commonplace. New legislation now promises to toughen sentences for assaults on emergency workers on duty. Alistair Quaile reports on the details of the assault bill, while our social media followers have their say as we highlight their comments throughout the article

In this article, Alistair Quaile discusses the steps up until now that have been taken to achieve independent paramedic prescribing and explores the impact this ability may have on improving the quality of patient care.

In this article, Alistair Quaile examines the healthcare inequalties faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and staff, and discusses developments being made by ambulance services to address these problems.

There are a number of exciting developments for ambulance services on the horizon this year. In this comment, Alistair Quaile will look ahead to the key areas of interest that will affect paramedics in 2018.

On 25 June at the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords, the Ambulance Service Institute held their annual awards, recognising those in the pre-hospital sector who have performed above and beyond the call of duty.

Details of the delivery of new ambulance standards were announced in July 2017 at the Health and Care Innovation Expo in Manchester. In this comment, Alistair Quaile examines the implementation, outline and evaluation of the programme, noting potential positive changes for patients, emergency care and ambulance staff.

In part 2 of the JPP's special tribute to emergency personnel in this month's issue, Alistair Quaile reveals the strength, vulnerability and brave lessons learned 1 year on from the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017.

Alistair Quaile, editor, Journal of Paramedic Practice, gives an overview of this year's Association of Air Ambulances National Conference and Awards of Excellence, held on 17 November at the Millenium Gloucester Hotel, London.

On 8 May at the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, House of Lords, the Ambulance Service Institute held their annual awards, recognising those in the pre-hospital sector who have performed above and beyond the call of duty.