Academic qualifications for emergency medical services personnel - does it make sense?

Background: There is a discernible trend towards academisation in many professions in the healthcare sector. In the ninth statement and recommendation of the Government Commission for Modern and Needs-Based Hospital Care, academic qualification for nonmedical emergency service personnel is now also recommended. Within the framework of a regular exchange, managing directors, operations managers, those responsible for education and medical directors of the BRK (Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz) district association in Regensburg, the DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) Rettungsdienst Mittelhessen gGmbH and the rescue service cooperation in Schleswig-Holstein (RKiSH) gGmbH discuss the question of whether and in which areas academisation in the rescue service is necessary and/or sensible. Methods: The possible concerns of those seeking help were identified and an attempt was made to divide them into different categories, taking into account medical conditions. Subsequently, the required competence profile could be assigned to these categories and this could then be filled with a suitable qualification. If it was not possible to assign a suitable qualification, content was defined that is required for a new qualification. By taking a look at the German Qualification Framework, it was possible to assign the qualifications and determine the need for a course of study. Conclusion:Four categories were identified. For those who are critically ill or injured and seeking help, the current qualification of emergency paramedic is suitable to ensure the best possible care independently or with (tele)emergency medical support. For those seeking help who have low-threshold and noncritical concerns, there is currently no suitable professional qualification. A new qualification must also be developed for this purpose with regard to preventive rescue services. Competencies required for this purpose have been identified. In order to achieve this, an academic qualification seems to be necessary.