Paramedics’ Emergency Call
Guest: Ian Tait (Communications Director, Ambulance Paramedics of BC)
On this edition of Journal, we take a closer look at one piece of our health care system that doesn’t usually get much attention, even though we see them working on our streets all the time: paramedics.
We hear about doctor shortages and nurse shortages, but did you know we have a paramedic shortage? In rural and remote areas of the province alone, there are close to 400 vacancies.
The problem is exacerbated when an emergency call comes in but the ER is closed or on diversion. According to Mayor Goetz (of Merritt, British Columbia), a paramedic – if available – must transport and accompany the patient around 100 kilometres to the nearest hospital for emergency care. That takes time, leaving the community vulnerable.
Also, the province does not allow the service to pre-schedule overtime coverage in advance when there are known holes in the schedule – for vacations, as an example. This results in a patchwork system, sometimes covered by firefighters but often resulting in wait times that are too long.
So, a few questions:
What is a day in the life of a paramedic like?
What training is required?
Why aren’t more people applying for these vacant positions?
I can’t help but worry about the constant stress that our overdose crisis has added to the job of being a paramedic. Imagine reviving the same person over and over again with the same result. That must take a toll.
To talk about some of these issues is Ian Tait, spokesperson for the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, who are currently in negotiation with the government. What are the biggest issues and possible solutions?
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