Self-care for paramedics

Self-care can be broadly described as a clinician’s own maintenance of good holistic health and wellbeing.1 This wellbeing extends beyond the physical to encompass psychological, emotional and spiritual balance and health. Self-care has been associated with the concept of self-compassion.2,3 Self-compassion, or directing feelings of kindness and care towards oneself, can allow a person the attention and energy to alleviate pain or suffering. This article will outline self-care as avital element of the rounded and healthy out-of-hospital clinician, with a special focus on the extended care paramedic working in the field of palliative care.