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Programs & Services

Emergency Health Services Palliative and End-of-Life Care Medical Control Protocols

 Location: Alberta Wide

These protocols have been developed to support patients and their families who have chosen to receive palliative and end-of-life care at home.

This service is for both adults and pediatrics. 
EMS PEOLC is available to palliative patients whose wishes may be supported in the home/non-hospital setting by EMS. The protocol is based on a collaborative care model between EMS, the patient’s primary / palliative care team (when possible) and online consultation with a physician. Patients may be treated in place and left at home (Assess Treat & Refer (ATR)) once a collaborative treatment decision is made. A patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider can call 911 and any responding EHS unit in Alberta can provide palliative care to a patient.

For further information see our website.

Contact Details

Alberta Wide

Getting There

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Hours of Operation
Available
24 hour service
Access
Service Providers May Include
doctors (family, palliative specialists ED), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), occupational therapists (OTs), paramedics (Primary Care Paramedics (PCP's)and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP's), physiotherapists (PTs), registered nurses (RNs), respiratory therapists
Eligibility

This program is for both adults and pediatric patients who are getting palliative and end-of-life care at home, and in supported living sites. Paramedics may provide treatment including but not limited to:

  • pain
  • breathing problems
  • delirium (confusion)
  • nausea or vomiting
  • bleeding
Service Access

Patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care in the community should access their primary or palliative care team, or 911, as they would routinely do if experiencing symptom crisis and require healthcare provider support.

There are no such thing as palliative paramedics or palliative ambulances. The program utilizes the ambulances that are in every community in the province.

Fees

The Government of Alberta provides funding to Emergency Health Services (EHS) to cover ambulance costs. Patients receiving palliative and end of life care are encouraged to apply for Palliative Coverage (administered by Alberta Blue Cross) so this paramedic service is covered.

The Government of Alberta provides funding to provide emergency medical services (EMS) to Albertans. Patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care are encouraged to apply for Palliative Coverage (administered by Alberta Blue Cross) so this paramedic service is covered.

Service Languages
Interpreter/Translation services
Also Known As
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Emergency Medical Services Palliative and End-of-Life Care Medical Control Protocols