My top 5 books for BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

During my first year, I used many resources to help me progress. In this blog, I will narrow this down to five resources which made a huge difference to my development as a student paramedic.

1. Blaber’s Foundations for Paramedic Practice (By Amanda Blaber)

As a first year, it is extremely important to understand the role of a paramedic, responsibilities of a paramedic and also the overall foundations which create paramedic practice. This book will give a great insight to paramedicine, and the qualities required to be a good paramedic.

2. Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology

This book will teach you advanced anatomy and physiology, in both health and illness. Therefore, you will develop an understanding of how the body works in a ‘normal’ patient, and also begin to understand the pathophysiology of illness in an unwell patient. I found this book really helpful while I began to look at anatomy and physiology in first year.

3. Assessment Skills for Paramedics (By Amanda Blaber & Graham Harris)

Patient assessment is a huge part of your practice. Accurately assessing a patient allows the clinician to form an appropriate differential diagnosis and potentially a clear diagnosis, which will enable a precise treatment plan for a patient. This book will provide great information on both history and physical examinations for your overall assessment.

4. The ECG Made Easy (By John Hampton & Joanna Hampton)

ECG interpretation can be quite a difficult topic to understand. Initially, I struggled with ECG interpretation, however I found this book helped it all make sense. This book will show the meaning of all the ‘squiggly lines’, and what certain abnormalities may indicate.

5. Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology (By Ritter et al)

Pharmacology is a very broad topic, and can be quite difficult to understand. As a paramedic, pharmacology is an important aspect of your practice and therefore a firm understanding is essential. I found that this book was very relevant in relation to paramedic pharmacology and it's split into many sections which makes digesting the book a lot easier.

Jack studies Paramedic Science at ARU in Chelmsford. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.