PHECC

PHECC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) is an independent statutory agency with responsibility for standards, education and training in the field of pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. PHECC also maintains a register of accredited pre-hospital emergency care practitioners.

History

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council was established in 2000, following the publication of the report of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing (Hanly Report). The report recommended the establishment of a body to set standards for the training and education of pre-hospital emergency care providers.

Role and Functions

PHECC's primary function is to protect the public by independently specifying, reviewing, maintaining and monitoring the standards of education and training for pre-hospital emergency care. It also maintains a statutory register of practitioners who have met the standards set by the Council.

PHECC is responsible for the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which set out the clinical care pathways for pre-hospital emergency care providers. These guidelines are developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, including practitioners, educators, medical directors and the public.

Registration

In order to practice as a pre-hospital emergency care provider in Ireland, individuals must be registered with PHECC. The registration process involves meeting the education and training standards set by the Council, and agreeing to abide by the Council's Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

Education and Training

PHECC sets the standards for education and training programmes for pre-hospital emergency care providers. These standards cover a range of areas, including patient assessment, basic life support, advanced life support, trauma care, and paediatric emergency care.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

PHECC develops and publishes Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for pre-hospital emergency care providers. These guidelines provide a standardised approach to the delivery of pre-hospital emergency care, and are based on the best available evidence.

See Also

• Emergency medical services in Ireland
• Health and Safety Authority
• Health Information and Quality Authority

References

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