$27.86 to $35.17 per hour
Other benefits
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
Primary care paramedic certificate
Primary care paramedics are responsible for transporting ill or injured patients from scenes of emergency and/or between facilities. They operate ambulances or other modes of transportation and assess emergency scenes and patients. Primary care paramedics may treat patients by administering some medications, utilizing basic life support (BLS) airway adjuncts, and engaging in semi-automated defibrillation. They may lead BLS crews in delivering clinical care during patient transport or at emergency scenes. Primary care paramedics also assist with ensuring that ambulances or other emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles, such as transfer vans, are properly stocked and equipped.
Primary care paramedics often work in highly stressful emergency situations. Their work is performed before patients reach a hospital, between health-care facilities and before they are seen by Emergency Department staff. At some sites, much of their time may be spent in ambulances, transporting injured or ill people to hospitals, urgent care centres or other health facilities. In other locations, they provide care to patients in an emergency room setting.
Primary care paramedics play an important role as members of the inter-professional health care team. In the course of their work, they collaborate with other emergency medical personnel, physicians, nurses and other health professionals.
Primary care paramedics may work full-time or part-time hours or on a call-in (casual) basis. They can apply for positions that are permanent, temporary or casual depending on department and facility needs. Shift schedules may include a combination of day, evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts, as well as on-call duty.
Primary care paramedics spend a lot of time standing, reaching, walking, crouching and bending during their shifts. They are required to lift and transport patients and equipment. At times, they may be in awkward positions while providing assessment and care to ill and injured people. They may be exposed to chemicals, bodily fluids, needle sticks, moving traffic, weather conditions, and other potential safety risks while on the job.
Your EMS offers a behind the scenes look at the men and women who provide emergency care, as well as the equipment, tools and programs used.
