PHECC is pleased to announce the release of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) 2021. CPGs are available for download here.

The latest version of CPGs have undergone an extensive development programme and include significant changes aimed at enhancing pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland.

CPGs guide the practitioner in assessment, treatment and disposition of patients who present with an acute illness or injury. CPGs presume no intervention has been applied, nor medication administered, prior to the arrival of the practitioner/responder. In the event of another practitioner or responder initiating care during an acute episode, the practitioner or responder must be cognisant of interventions applied and medication doses already administered and act accordingly.

A number of CPGs and/or elements of CPGs have been designated as ‘non-core’, replacing the previous process of CPG exemptions. This recognises that not all Licenced CPG Providers need to implement every CPG. Further information is provided in the policy ‘PHECC CPG Categorisation and Implementation Guidance’.

The 2021 Edition of the CPGs take precedent over older versions.

The 2021 Edition CPGs may be implemented provided:

  1. The Practitioner is in good standing on the PHECC practitioner's Register - Credentialed.
  2. The Responder maintains current certification as outlined in PHECC Education & Training Standards.
  3. The Practitioner/Responder is acting on behalf of an organisation (paid or voluntary) that is approved by PHECC to implement the CPGs - Licensed.
  4. The Practitioner/Responder is authorised by the organisation on whose behalf he/she is acting to implement the specific CPG – Privileged.
  5. The Practitioner/Responder has received training on, and is competent in, the skills and medications specified in the CPG being utilised.

The Council Policy for implementation time frames of Clinical Practice Guidelines require that within 18 months of release of new CPGs that they are implemented fully.  

An online feedback form is provided on the webpage if required.