Reposted from the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Read the story here:
http://www.jems.com/article/administration-and-leadership/international-paramedic-association-crea
Teresa McCallion, EMT-B | From the November 2011 Issue | Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The iParamedic network seeks to create a worldwide arena for EMS professionals from around the world.
It began with a desire to bring a group of people from multiple EMS locations throughout the world together with a common goal: to create an international, strategic plan for promoting the EMS profession. The result was the birth of a concept, International Paramedic (iParamedic), an open-source, worldwide forum for discussion and recommendations about critical issues affecting EMS practitioners.
Unlike other EMS associations, iParamedic exists solely as a virtual entity. Members participate through conference calls, webinars and other communication methods. Despite the name, the organization is open to all EMS practitioners, not just paramedics. Membership is free.
International Paramedic describes itself as a “cooperative, consensus-building organization of participants who share their voice, time and energies in ongoing and collaborative efforts involving paramedic and emergency medical response capabilities, practice, education and research.” The goal of iParamedic is to develop the body as a valued presence as an international voice for EMS within such key organizations as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.