Paramedic Services Week is taking place across Canada from May 21 to 27. This year’s theme as chosen by the Paramedics Chiefs of Canada is Diversity: The patient. The provider. The
profession.
Each day, our paramedics provide vital patient care. By ground, air or water, they respond to 9-1-1 medical emergencies and also look after patients in need of urgent transfers between hospitals and health-care facilities all across the province.
In our
Community Paramedicine program, paramedics deliver primary care in rural and remote communities, helping patients with chronic conditions stay well at home.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is incredibly proud of the work of our paramedics in connecting patients with the right care while helping them feel safe and calm in their time of need.
As skilled professionals, our paramedics are continually learning. From Emergency Medical Responders to Critical Care Paramedics and Paramedic Practice Educators, there are many
roles and career opportunities to choose from within BCEHS. We asked several members from our paramedicine teams about their life experiences and what they enjoyed most about their profession for
Paramedic Services Week from May 21 to 27.
I spent many years as a firefighter before coming to BC Emergency Health Services. I love the fact that we have members from across the globe who bring different experiences and ideas. The camaraderie is fantastic.
Coming into paramedicine as a ‘mature student’ at the age of 36, I feel navigating through life's obstacles over the years - by raising four athletic rambunctious boys - provided me with an eager problem-solving attitude that I bring to work each day.
No two days are the same, which makes for a challenging and exciting work environment. I get to work with a great team of like-minded colleagues, whether it be instructing in a classroom, working in an ambulance, or riding around with the bike squad. The bike squad events allow me to combine my skills as a paramedic with physical activity, which make for an amazing day at work.
I started almost 12 years ago in dispatch. My experience in dispatch was amazing but I wanted more. I took my EMR and then my PCP training. Every aspect of the job presents its own unique challenges and rewards. I learn and grow every day. I hope to advance my career one day as an ACP.
What I enjoy most about my job is knowing I will make a difference every day in a patient’s life through compassion, care and dignity. I also enjoy the freedom of working and exploring this beautiful province by land, air and sea and being able to establish life-long friendships along with mentoring the next generation of paramedics.
I am happy to live and work in my rural area without having to move to a larger city. As a CP, you have the freedom to plan your day. A typical week involves setting up educational, clinical and outreach events and visiting clients in a non-emergency setting. I also enjoy the opportunity for future learning and upgrading my skills. As cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, once said, ‘We are our best when we serve others.’
One of the things I enjoy most is having the privilege to mentor newer crews and other first responders in Victoria and surrounding areas. The ailments of our clientele are what draw us to the scene, but it is our collaborative efforts that ensure our patients receive the highest level of intervention for a positive recovery.
What I enjoy most about the diversity of my work is collaborating with other paramedics throughout the province. Problem-solving as a team looks different on any given call and that’s a challenge I have appreciated from day one.
The uniqueness I bring to paramedicine is a culmination of the various out-of-hospital care roles (lifeguard, ski patroller, PCP, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, ACP, ACP instructor, CCP, Infant Transport Team, educator) for the past 20 years.
I'm a problem solver, aspiring to become the Sherlock Holmes of paramedicine! I love a good unresolved case that allows me to think creatively and outside the box to bring the best possible care to my patients. Every day brings with it new mysteries!
Having worked in social services in various roles and being an advocate for equity and equality, I bring a humanistic and social justice lens to paramedicine.
I enjoy the continued learning, not only from the medicine/treatment aspect but also from the cultural and spiritual aspect. Patients are the greatest teachers we have, and they are all so different.
Please join us in recognizing our paramedics from May 21 to 27, 2023. Send a
message of thanks to someone who has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love. A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way after years of intense, often stressful work on the front lines.
Follow BCEHS on
Twitter,
Facebook and
Instagram this week for stories of paramedics doing incredible work across the province.
