PROFESSIONALISM The Politics of Professionalisation: Some Implications for the Occupation of Ambulance

professional status; autonomy; professionalisation; professionalism; paramedic; professional recognition A range of health care occupational communities have travelled down various pathways in a quest for professional status. Some have been more successful than others and the evidence indicates that the most successful occupational communities pursued political strategies and tactics. This paper draws on their experiences to suggest ways that Australian ambulance paramedics could proceed in their quest for increased professional status and autonomy.