Paramedics without borders: Celebrating global unity on International Paramedic Day

In this international edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Lewis Andrews, the chief operating officer of the United Kingdom’s College of Paramedics, for an insightful discussion on two major topics shaping global paramedicine.

First up is International Paramedic Day, taking place on July 8, 2025. Now in its third year, the day honors the contribution of paramedics across the world and draws its inspiration from the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the father of battlefield ambulance care. Lewis explains how the day has grown from 50 initial partners to over 150 global organizations, with this year’s theme being “Unity and community.” The day aims to raise awareness of the profession, share innovations and bring together the global paramedic community.

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In the second half of the show, Lewis delves into the structure and significance of the College of Paramedics, which represents nearly half of the UK’s registered paramedics. He describes how the UK paramedic profession is regulated and protected by law, with a rigorous educational pathway that now includes the potential for prescribing paramedics and direct-to-primary-care tracks.

Rob and Lewis explore how paramedics in the UK are increasingly working beyond emergency ambulances — in GP surgeries, urgent care centers and academic roles. Their conversation offers a rich comparison point for U.S. EMS leaders seeking to elevate paramedicine through autonomy, education and broader clinical roles.

Memorable quotes

• “This is not a commercial platform — this is about us celebrating us.” — Lewis Andrews, on the ethos of International Paramedic Day

• “Let’s not reinvent the wheel, but let’s look at what the wheel is for the environment that it’s required to roll in.” — Lewis Andrews, on global EMS collaboration

• “The title ‘paramedic’ is protected by law in the UK — you can’t simply do a first aid course and call yourself one.” — Rob Lawrence

• “Autonomy — in a word — that’s what makes a prescribing paramedic.” — Lewis Andrews, on expanding paramedic roles

• “We’re also promoting the profession to those who don’t yet know they want to be in the profession.” — Lewis Andrews, on recruitment and professional identity

• “We have a career framework … that actually shows that you can develop from that day one newly qualified right through to a consultant paramedic, chief paramedic, director, professor.” — Lewis Andrews

Episode timeline

00:55 – Introduction to International Paramedic Day (IPD) and its origins

02:17 – Why July 8 was chosen: Dominique-Jean Larrey’s birthday

03:02 – Growth of IPD from 50 to over 150 partners

05:06 – 2025 theme: “Unity and community” and sub-objectives

06:45 – How to participate: share stories, use hashtags (#UnityAndCommunity and #IPD2025), connect globally

08:58 – The global nature of IPD and U.S. partners’ involvement

11:25 – Promoting awareness and the importance of celebrating paramedics

12:50 – Part 2 — The role of the College of Paramedics

14:09 – Overview of College functions: CPD, representation, research, advocacy

18:15 – Registration with HCPC, protected title and the regulator’s role

21:12 – Paramedic education in the UK: degree pathways, demand and cost

23:46 – Discussion on streaming directly into primary care roles

27:09 – Caree