This course teaches a structured approach to assessment and safe decision-making when a paramedic considers discharging a patient on scene or referring them to an alternative pathway. It covers high-risk groups, capacity and refusal, safety-netting and documentation, and includes a worked case, a weak and strong handover comparison, and a remediation plan for those who have had a non-conveyance concern raised.
What you will learn
- Carry out a structured, systematic assessment that supports a safe decision about conveyance.
- Recognise high-risk presentations and patient groups in which non-conveyance requires extra caution and senior support.
- Apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 correctly when a patient declines conveyance or treatment.
- Give and document safety-netting advice and referrals that a patient or carer can act on.
- Produce a clinical record that clearly shows your reasoning, and write a reflection and remediation plan after a non-conveyance concern.
Course content
- Why non-conveyance decisions matter (2 min)
- A structured approach to assessment (3 min)
- High-risk presentations and patient groups (2 min)
- Capacity, refusal and patients who decline conveyance (3 min)
- Safety-netting, referral and documentation (3 min)
- Case study, regulator expectations and remediation (4 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024)
- HCPC: Standards of proficiency for paramedics (2023)
- JRCALC Clinical Guidelines (Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee)
- College of Paramedics: Paramedic Curriculum Guidance and professional guidance
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice
- Royal College of Physicians: National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2)
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
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CTG Fetal Monitoring and Escalation: Key Lessons for Midwives and Obstetricians
CTG fetal monitoring and escalation for midwives and obstetricians: NICE NG229 essentials, holistic hourly review, fresh eyes, SBAR and maternity lessons.
Non-Conveyance Decisions: A Safe Practice Guide for Paramedics
A safe practice guide to paramedic non-conveyance decisions: structured assessment, high-risk groups, capacity and refusal, safety-netting and documentation.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.