Training of Paramedic Students of Public Vocational Institut Argos in innovative fields: Educational framework and practical impementation

The present essay delineates the underlying theoretical educational framework and the practical implementation of an innovative educational approach in the context of the curriculum for the specialty of “Paramedic – Ambulance Crew” at the Public Vocational Training Institute of Argos. The educational approach concerned the participation of the students in a major incident medical management and support simulation with the operational involvement of the services concerned and the scientific advice of Athens Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University with the purpose of training the students, that is, future paramedics or paramedics already actively employed by the Greek National Center for Emergency Care, in the implementation of updated protocols for the management of major accidents and disasters. An education action plan based on the theory of transformative learning is analysed and presented as well as the combinative implementation of teaching techniques, especially that of simulation, in an environment of adult vocational training and in particular that of medical and paramedical education. Finally, theoretical reference is provided in support of the instructors participation patterns in conjunction with the organizational - administrative support provided by the school administrators.