Assessment Skills for Paramedics, 4th Edition
4th Edition
0335253717
·
9780335253715
© 2027 | Published: September 10, 2026
“Specifically designed to support pre-hospital practice, this well-structured text provides a solid foundation for effective patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and professional development. It is a valuable addition to any paramedic’s …
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Sample Chapter
Contributors
Acknowledgements
How to use this book
1. General Principles of Assessment
2. Respiratory Assessment
3. Cardiovascular Assessment
4. Abdominal Gastro-Intestinal (GI) and Genito-Urinary (GU) Assessment
5. Neurological Assessment
6. Spinal Injuries Assessment
7. Major Trauma Assessment
8. Musculoskeletal Assessment
9. Minor Injuries Assessment
10. Minor Illnesses Assessment
11. Paediatric Assessment
12. Older Person Assessment
13. Obstetric Patient Assessment
14. Assessment and Care of the Newborn
15. Mental Health Assessment
Conclusion
Glossary of terms
Abbreviations and acronyms
Index
Acknowledgements
How to use this book
1. General Principles of Assessment
2. Respiratory Assessment
3. Cardiovascular Assessment
4. Abdominal Gastro-Intestinal (GI) and Genito-Urinary (GU) Assessment
5. Neurological Assessment
6. Spinal Injuries Assessment
7. Major Trauma Assessment
8. Musculoskeletal Assessment
9. Minor Injuries Assessment
10. Minor Illnesses Assessment
11. Paediatric Assessment
12. Older Person Assessment
13. Obstetric Patient Assessment
14. Assessment and Care of the Newborn
15. Mental Health Assessment
Conclusion
Glossary of terms
Abbreviations and acronyms
Index
“Specifically designed to support pre-hospital practice, this well-structured text provides a solid foundation for effective patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and professional development. It is a valuable addition to any paramedic’s personal library!”
Kirsty Lowery-Richardson FCPara, Head of Education – Royal College of Paramedics, UK.
“The text successfully bridges theory and practice, enabling readers to apply assessment skills confidently within clinical environments. Its practical focus, clarity, and relevance make it an invaluable learning and revision resource for contemporary paramedic practice.”
Paula Gardner, Principal Lecturer in Paramedic Apprenticeships, University of Cumbria, UK.
"Assessment Skills for Paramedics, continues to provide a comprehensive and practically focused approach to patient assessment for both student and qualified paramedics… It remains highly relevant to paramedic education and clinical practice, drawing appropriately on current guidance and evidence."
Dr Caitlin Wilson, Senior Research Fellow (Paramedic), Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, UK.
Fully updated and refreshed throughout, Assessment Skills for Paramedics returns with a fourth edition. This widely celebrated resource remains the go-to text for students, paramedics, paramedic practitioners and related emergency personnel looking to consolidate their assessment skills in line with current teaching and national guidance.
Organised by subject and body system, the book guides readers through the key considerations and actions for each physical and psychological emergency presentation. Retaining its trusted and acclaimed approach, this edition contains updated coverage of:
With contributions from experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enable readers to enhance their practical knowledge and to confidently make accurate, timely and thorough assessments of patients to the best of their ability.
Amanda Blaber (MSc, BSc(Hons), DipHE (A&E), PGCE, SFHEA) has worked in emergency care and taught student nurses and paramedics in higher education environments for many years. Amanda occasionally works in clinical environments, with direct patient contact and is also a freelance writer and editor. Amanda was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the College of Paramedics in 2016.
Graham Harris (BSc. PGCE. MSc. FCPara) is a Paramedic Consultant Educationalist. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Paramedics and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and formerly the National Education Lead for the Royal College of Paramedics.
Kirsty Lowery-Richardson FCPara, Head of Education – Royal College of Paramedics, UK.
“The text successfully bridges theory and practice, enabling readers to apply assessment skills confidently within clinical environments. Its practical focus, clarity, and relevance make it an invaluable learning and revision resource for contemporary paramedic practice.”
Paula Gardner, Principal Lecturer in Paramedic Apprenticeships, University of Cumbria, UK.
"Assessment Skills for Paramedics, continues to provide a comprehensive and practically focused approach to patient assessment for both student and qualified paramedics… It remains highly relevant to paramedic education and clinical practice, drawing appropriately on current guidance and evidence."
Dr Caitlin Wilson, Senior Research Fellow (Paramedic), Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, UK.
Fully updated and refreshed throughout, Assessment Skills for Paramedics returns with a fourth edition. This widely celebrated resource remains the go-to text for students, paramedics, paramedic practitioners and related emergency personnel looking to consolidate their assessment skills in line with current teaching and national guidance.
Organised by subject and body system, the book guides readers through the key considerations and actions for each physical and psychological emergency presentation. Retaining its trusted and acclaimed approach, this edition contains updated coverage of:
- The latest developments in UK and international paramedic assessment practice
- System-specific primary and secondary surveys for a broad spectrum of patient presentations
- Expanded sections covering minor injuries, minor illnesses and frailty in older adults
- Social, ethical and legal factors impacting pre-hospital care
- Specialist assessments for obstetric, neonatal, paediatric, older person and mental health emergencies
- Updates reflecting the latest Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency, Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines, and The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) guidelines
With contributions from experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enable readers to enhance their practical knowledge and to confidently make accurate, timely and thorough assessments of patients to the best of their ability.
Amanda Blaber (MSc, BSc(Hons), DipHE (A&E), PGCE, SFHEA) has worked in emergency care and taught student nurses and paramedics in higher education environments for many years. Amanda occasionally works in clinical environments, with direct patient contact and is also a freelance writer and editor. Amanda was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the College of Paramedics in 2016.
Graham Harris (BSc. PGCE. MSc. FCPara) is a Paramedic Consultant Educationalist. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Paramedics and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and formerly the National Education Lead for the Royal College of Paramedics.
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