SA Firefighter

Too true
the exception NPs, who are at least able to operate reasonably autonomously.

paramedics wanting to nurses, makes a change from the nurses wanting to be paramedics argument,
As for cost, the equivalent is a nurse practitioner.
In this case there is no turf war between us.
While there is a lot of overlap in the skills and knowledge required there is also a few notable differences in how we all operate this is still a very ambulance focused program.
But folks we are seeing the great blurring of the lines between the professions.  

Caddy

Ecps in SA use 2 marked Vito's and 1 territory(soon to be replaced with another Vito)
They are dispatched from the EOC Clinician (ECP in Coms) and crew referals
They also first respond and provide ICP back up as required, hence the marked cars.
But the priority is still sub acute cases and safe hosp avoidance strategies.
There are some similarities with the NSW model but given that we both followed the same systems from overseas that is hardly surprising.
If you need to know more contact SAAS(normal buisness number)and ask for our contact info.