A paramedic provides out of hospital care to ill and injured people. Paramedics must complete a two year diploma program, successfully pass a provincial certification exam (A-EMCA), and be certified by a Base Hospital physician to perform at least one  controlled medical act.  They work in ambulances and are governed by the Ambulance Act.  Paramedics participate in continuous quality improvement through oversight from the EMS agency and from the Base Hospital Medical Director, who delegates authority to paramedics to perform controlled medical acts.

The three levels of paramedics in Ontario

  • Primary care paramedic (PCP)
  • Advanced care paramedic (ACP)
  • Critical care paramedic (CCP)

Each level of paramedic performs differing controlled medical acts.

In the District of Thunder Bay, PCPs and ACPs respond to emergencies in land ambulances, while PCPs, ACPs, and CCPs respond on air ambulances.  ACPs and CCPs require additional education prior to certification.

Superior North EMS employs primary care paramedics throughout the District of Thunder Bay advanced care paramedics in Thunder Bay and Armstrong.

Paramedic qualifications

All paramedics are qualified to perform:

  • Patient assessment
  • Immobilization & traction
  • Oxygen administration via various methods
  • Basic airway management
  • Trauma care, including basic wound care
  • Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

Controlled Medical Acts

Controlled Medical Acts for primary care and advanced care paramedics involve the administration of:

  • Glucagon
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Epineephrine
  • Salbutamol
  • ASA
  • Other cardiac and narcotic medications (furosemide, morphine, narcan, etc.)
  • Semi-automated external cardiac defibrillation
  • Non-automated external cardiac defibrillation and monitoring
  • Peripheral intravenous therapy
  • Endotracheal intubation

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