Abstract
The Diploma in Immediate Care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is increasingly recognised as a gold standard for immediate care practitioners, including doctors with a significant involvement in prehospital care, paramedics who wish to enhance their knowledge base or obtain the Diploma as an entry requirement for a post registration degree, and for nurses who have a recognised and developing role in the evolving emergency medical services. This paper provides information about the Diploma examination including eligibility, the syllabus and the components of the examination, and comments on the reason for failure and provides suggestions for training and education to enhance the candidate's opportunity of passing the examination.