You will develop a position paper in support of or against the establishment of a mobile integrated health care/community paramedic program in your community. This does not have to be the community you work in and may be the community in which you reside if those are different. It is not a fictional community. The mobile integrated health care/community paramedic program would likely be successful, if started in the community, due to the existing state legislation, which allows paramedics to function in a mobile integrated health care or community paramedic role. The program has at least two characteristics that support successful implementation: a funding source for start-up and engaged stakeholders.

 

A position paper is sometimes thought of as a representative of a point of view. Professional organizations will sometimes use a position paper to publish their perspective or point of view on industry-related topics. This is not the same as a paper summarizing personal opinion but rather your educated and informed opinion. A position paper contains supporting content for both your argument as well as potential counter arguments.

 

Your position paper should reflect the following outline: introduction, counter argument, argument and conclusion. Your counter argument(s) should be based on what someone who disagrees might say about your argument as a whole. They should be credible and stated objectively. You should include at least two points of argument that specifically challenge the counterargument(s) you have identified. If your position is against the establishment of the program, identify potential barriers or characteristics that may indicate a less successful outcome. You should also include any state or federal legislation that could potentially create challenges for the establishment of a successful program. If your position is in support of the establishment of a program, identify additional characteristics that may support a more successful outcome. Include any state or federal legislation that would enhance or provide additional legal protections for mobile integrated health care or community paramedic programs.