Pushing Boundaries: Inside the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Research Agenda

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) isn’t just focused on answering 999 calls—it’s also at the sharp end of research and innovation that’s reshaping the future of prehospital care across the UK. From groundbreaking clinical trials to cutting-edge digital health pilots, WAST is working closely with academic and NHS partners to drive improvements in patient outcomes and support the evolving role of paramedics and emergency responders. Here’s a closer look at some of the Trust’s most impactful research initiatives—and why they matter to frontline clinicians.

1. PARAMEDIC-3: Rethinking Drug Administration During Cardiac Arrest

In collaboration with the University of Warwick, WAST participated in the PARAMEDIC-3 trial, which assessed whether intraosseous (IO) access could offer any clinical advantage over traditional intravenous (IV) routes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Despite the theoretical advantages of IO access—especially in patients where IV access is challenging—results revealed no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge. This trial is a powerful example of evidence-based practice guiding protocols, reaffirming that the route of administration may be less critical than rapid, effective team-based resuscitation.

Reference: Health and Care Research Wales

2. Luscii App Pilot: Bridging Care Homes and Control Rooms

WAST is trialling the Luscii remote monitoring platform in care homes across North Wales. The app records residents’ vital signs and transmits this data to ambulance control centers, enabling remote clinicians to assess patients in real time.

This pilot reflects a shift towards integrated digital healthcare and offers ambulance clinicians the opportunity to engage in preventative care, reducing unnecessary conveyances and ED pressures.

Reference: Welsh Ambulance News

3. RELIEF Study: Enhancing End-of-Life Care in the Community

Led by Dr. Chris Moore, the RELIEF study explores how “Just in Case” (JIC) medications are used by paramedics during end-of-life scenarios at home. The study gathers insights from paramedics, families, and GPs to identify gaps in training, communication, and confidence.

Reference: Health and Care Research Wales

4. SAFER and SAFER 2: Preventing Falls Before They Happen

These studies, in partnership with Swansea University, investigate strategies to reduce falls among older adults—one of the most common call types. They focus on proactive interventions, risk assessments, and improving referral pathways.

Reference: MediWales

5. RAPID and RAPID 2: Prehospital Pain Relief for Hip Fractures

The original RAPID trial tested the use of fascia iliaca blocks (FIBs) by paramedics for patients with suspected hip fractures. RAPID 2 is expanding on this work, evaluating its effectiveness and safety on a larger scale.

Reference: Swansea University

6. Optimising 999 Dispatch: Better Calls, Better Care

WAST is working with the University of Warwick to understand how dispatch decisions are made and how call handling can be improved to better allocate resources.

Reference: University of Warwick

7. Mental Health Interventions: A System Under Pressure

Mental health-related 999 calls are on the rise. WAST has been developing mental health triage units, training initiatives, and referral pathways to support individuals in crisis.

Reference: Welsh Assembly Business Archive

Conclusion: A Research-Driven Future for Prehospital Care

WAST’s research portfolio underscores a vital evolution in ambulance services: from reactive response to proactive, evidence-based care. These projects are not just academic exercises—they are shaping protocols, enhancing skills, and transforming the patient journey from the first point of contact. For paramedics and emergency responders, staying informed and engaged with this research means being at the forefront of meaningful, measurable improvements in care.