JRCALC guidelines have evolved from many locally-derived protocols to systematically-developed national clinical practice guidelines based on current best evidence.

The JRCALC Guideline Development Group (JRCALC-GDG), led by Dr Simon Brown, have over the years been responsible for developing and reviewing the national clinical practice guidelines for NHS paramedics. Although the guidelines are written as an essential resource for NHS paramedics, the principles are also applicable to the work of all pre-hospital clinicians.

The JRCALC guidelines are also an important part of clinical risk management and ensure uniformity in the delivery of high-quality patient care. As such, they form the basis for UK paramedic training and education.

JRCALC combines expert advice with practical guidance to help paramedics in their challenging roles and supports them in providing patient care. The guidelines cover an extensive range of topics, from resuscitation, medical emergencies, trauma, obstetrics and medicines, to major incidents and staff wellbeing.

We also welcome feedback, comments and queries on the JRCALC Guidelines. 
Please use the feedback form here.

The guidelines are now reviewed and updated on a rolling basis. Due to the rapidly developing evidence base and the emerging technological options for publication, the guidelines are developed, updated and made available in a variety of format options (see History & Previous Versions for more information).

Working closely with the National Ambulance Service Medical Directors (NASMeD), guideline development sub-groups will develop specific guidelines that conform to the AGREE II standard.
Read the Standard for Guidelines Development here.

 

Forthcoming Updates and Ongoing Guideline Development

Although the JRCLAC committee lead on the writing and development of guidelines a lot of work is delivered by guideline development sub-roups, dedicated to each topic or review.  The development sub-groups receive invaluable support from the Library and Knowledge Service for NHS Ambulance Services (LKS ASE).

Since the JRCALC Clinical Guidelines 2019 reference book was published, a considerable amount of work has been delivered to keep guidance up to date. For more detail on the issued updates to guidance since 2019, click here. 

In 2022, JRCALC published a new print edition of the guidelines containing all the updates since 2019, along with a variety of new content.

 

Guidelines – related links:

Access to the JRCALC clinical practice guidelines and other useful guideline related information is available from the links below.

We also welcome feedback, comments and queries on the JRCALC Guidelines. 
Please use the feedback form here.