Table 2 Interview guide for in depth one-on-one interviews with stakeholders and key informants

Health Care System

1. In what way do paramedics contribute to the health care system?

2. In what way should paramedics contribute to the health care system?

3. What role are they holding now? (e.g., in ER, Flu shots)

4. Where do you see similarities when considering paramedics and other health care professionals?

5. Where do you see differences when considering paramedics and other health care professionals?

6. What do you see as deficiencies in practicing paramedics in the health care system?

Position/Roles

7. At the entry to practice level, what would you like to see in paramedics? Or put differently, what should paramedics be able to do in order to fulfill some of the role(s) or functions we have been discussing?

8. What are “your” (e.g., stakeholder group, practitioner, public) expectations of a paramedic?

a. As they interact with you/your organization?

b. As independent professionals?

c. As collaborative member of a paramedic team or multi-disciplinary team?

About the Individual

9. Think of the best paramedic or paramedics you know. What is it about these individuals that make them great?

10. Paramedics work is varied contexts and with a broad range of patients. What do you think is the difference between those that consistently function well and those that don’t?

11. What are common deficiencies or errors paramedics are guilty off that perhaps should be addressed?

12. What professional attributes do you see as essential for paramedics to maintain, develop or refine expertise over the duration of their careers?

13. What attributes or capabilities are integral in paramedic practice? (prompts: can you think of both clinical (i.e., those that are associated directly with patient interactions) and non-clinical (i.e., those that do are not directly associated with patient interactions) attributes?)

14. Do you have anything else you would like to share with us regarding attributes of paramedics in Canada from your point of view, regardless of level, specialization or position, now and to the year 2020?