Pediatric content in Finnish paramedic curricula – a survey study of education methods and targets

Paramedics encounter pediatric patients in approximately 4.5% to 15% of emergency medical service (EMS) missions, yet pediatric-specific content in paramedic education is inconsistently defined and delivered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pediatric-specific content of bachelor’s degree paramedic education in Finland, including lectures, skills-station practice, simulations, and clinical training. A further objective was to analyze the extent, structure, and focus of teaching related to pediatric related content. A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2025 across all nine Finnish universities of applied sciences (UASs) offering bachelor’s degree programs. Response rate was 100%. Each UAS provided a single, collaboratively prepared response. The survey included questions on European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits allocated to pediatric content, curriculum structure, and components such as lectures, simulations, skills-station practice, clinical placements, and topic coverage. Quantitative data were summarized using medians and ranges, while qualitative responses were thematically categorized. The median pediatric-related course load was 11 ECTS credits (range: 4–21 ECTS credits), accounting for approximately 4.6% of the total degree (240 ECTS credits). In most UASs, pediatric content is integrated into general modules rather than delivered in dedicated pediatric courses. Commonly covered topics include acute/emergency care, anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pain management, and family-centered care. Less frequently addressed are chronic pediatric conditions, rare trauma cases, child protection, and mental health. Simulation training covers key skills such as resuscitation, airway and vascular access, and neonatal care. Clinical placements can include pediatric wards, neonatal units, emergency departments, psychiatric units, and outpatient clinics. Significant variation was observed across institutions in both the scope and depth of training. Finnish paramedic bachelor programs incorporate pediatric education, but to a limited and varied extent. Areas such as mental health, chronic illness care, and rare emergencies are underrepresented, indicating gaps in training. It is recommended to standardize pediatric learning outcomes and establish national competency guidelines to ensure paramedics are uniformly prepared for pediatric emergencies.