Paramedics expand role

Photo: Contributed

A partnership with paramedics in rural communities will expand service to patients and ensure paramedics' remain in Creston and Princeton.

The two communities were selected for the Community Paramedicine Initiative introduced by B.C. Emergency Health Services.  

“We know that health-care providers in rural and remote areas may face challenges, and we value their guidance in how we can best engage local paramedics to address gaps in service,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. 

Under the initiative, paramedics will provide primary care services within their scope of practice to increase access to basic health-care services in non-urgent settings, in partnership with local health-care providers. The enhanced role is not intended to replace care provided by health professionals such as nurses, but rather to complement and support it. 

A similar program was announced for Northern B.C. in April, with Vancouver Island communities expected to be announced later this summer. 

“This new role in community health is well suited for B.C.’s highly trained paramedics,” said Bronwyn Barter, president of the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (CUPE 873).  “With the community paramedicine program will come enhanced patient care and new full-time career opportunities across the province.”

It is expected that community paramedics will be delivering community health services in Creston and Princeton this fall of 2015. The program will be expanded to additional rural and remote communities across the province in the coming months. 

“Paramedics have long been vital partners on the health-care team,” said Interior Health board chair Erwin Malzer. “We welcome this innovative new approach to expand community-based care for rural and remote communities in the Interior.”

The partnership has committed to creating at least 80 new full-time equivalent positions to support the implementation of community paramedicine programs over the next four years.  

"Enhancing the talents and skills of paramedics in a community-based setting will help keep paramedics engaged in remote communities that have low call volumes,” said BCEHS executive vice-president Linda Lupini.