The current practice of appointing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) managers purely on a medical qualification\nwithout a managerial qualification needs to be revisited. EMS by virtue of its nature of operations makes the industry\ndynamic and Paramedics need good leadership together with strong management so that the core objectives of\nEMS become easier to achieve.\nThe literature reviewed showed that managers with managerial qualifications were better equipped to manage\nthan those managers without a qualification. Managers can learn and better their leadership styles whilst\nsimultaneously improving their relationship with the staff. A formal managerial qualification is beneficial to managers\nsince it empowers them with the knowledge to make informed decisions. The advantage of an Advanced Life\nSupport (ALS) qualification over an Intermediate Life Support qualification is obvious, however the smaller number\nof ALS graduates does not allow for the successful fulfilling of all EMS management posts.\nThe findings of this study suggest that EMS managers need exposure to managerial and leadership training\nprogrammes and that the minimum requirements for an EMS manager�s post should be an ALS medical qualification\nas well as a managerial qualification. The findings also revealed a mismatch between the leadership tendencies of\nEMS managers and the staff�s preference of a leadership style.
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