Prehospital Care: An International Comparison of Independently Developed Training Courses

Objective Prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) occurs in a complex work environment. Appropriate training is essential to ensure high standards of clinical care and logistic decision making. Before commencing the role, PHRM doctors have varying levels of experience. This narrative review article aims to describe and compare 6 internationally accepted PHRM courses. Methods Six PHRM course directors were asked to describe their course in terms of education methods used, course content, and assessment processes. Each of the directors contributed to the discussion process. Results Although developed independently, all 6 courses use a comparable combination of lectures, simulations, and discussion groups. The amount of each pedagogical modality varies between the courses. Conclusion We have identified significant similarities and some important differences among some well-accepted independently developed PHRM courses worldwide. Differences in content and the methods of delivery appear linked to the background of participants and service case mix. The authors believe that even in the small niche of PHRM, courses need to be tailored to the participants and the “destination of the participants” (ie, where they are going to use their skills).