Criminal record search results are examined on a case by case basis, with each offence reviewed by the BC Ambulance Service to assess whether the offence impacts the ability of an individual to perform the role of paramedic.

Driver’s abstracts are reviewed on a case by case basis to assess the impact they may have on an individual’s ability to perform the role of paramedic.

The Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) issues licences to individuals who have successfully completed a recognized EMR, PCP or ACP training program.  For more information please visit the EMALB website.

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is the employer of paramedics. The Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) is a government body that oversees the licensing and examination of BCEHS paramedics (i.e. issues licences to BCEHS paramedics). While there is a close working relationship between these two organizations, they are two separate entities.

For immunization as a paramedic at any level the required vaccines are: full doses for Measles/Mumps/Rubella x 2 doses, Tetanus/Diphtheria primary series + booster every 10 years, Polio primary series (and one time booster if at risk for Fecal exposure), Hep B series, plus lab work showing immunity.

Agencies that offer training programs recognized by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) for each paramedic licence level are available on the EMALB website.

BCEHS accepts applications from paramedics who hold a paramedic licence in British Columbia and who are eligible to work in Canada. Information on the employment qualifications and the application process can be found on our website. 

Questions regarding licence qualifications can be directed to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB). If you are interested in working only in BC, you may be eligible for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which offers accelerated immigration for qualified skilled workers and experienced entrepreneurs who wish to settle in BC and become permanent residents of Canada. 

For more information contact: 

BC Provincial Nominee Program Office
450 – 605 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3
Canada 

Email: PNPinfo@gov.bc.ca 

Phone: 604-775-2227 

Fax: 604-660-4092

While BCEHS does not have a volunteer program, those interested in pursuing a volunteer paramedic opportunity are encouraged to contact the St. John’s Ambulance Service regarding their medical first responder program.

The Ambulance Paramedics and Dispatchers of BC – CUPE Local 873, represents all of the paramedics, emergency call takers, dispatchers employed by BCEHS.