Province introduces advanced care paramedics in rural and northern Manitoba

The Manitoba government has recently announced a new program that aims to enhance medical care for emergencies in rural and northern Manitoba. This initiative involves the introduction of advanced care paramedics at seven different locations across the province.

According to a government release on Wednesday, fourteen “clinical service leaders” who have received specialized training in advanced care paramedicine have been strategically placed in Portage la Prairie, Flin Flon, Dauphin, Ashern, Neepawa, Swan River, and Lac du Bonnet as part of this program. These advanced care paramedics have a broader scope of practice compared to other paramedics, allowing them to perform advanced life support, respiratory and cardiac care procedures, as well as administer a wider range of medications.

While these paramedics will respond to medical emergencies using rapid response vehicles, they will not be responsible for transporting patients. Instead, their focus will be on improving pre-hospital care and providing critical medical interventions at the scene of emergencies. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara emphasized that these paramedics can offer care to individuals in their homes or on ambulances, providing a higher level of medical support to those in need.

This program marks a significant shift in the province’s approach to paramedic training and employment. Asagwara criticized the previous government for neglecting to train and hire advanced care paramedics in rural and northern Manitoba, describing their decision as “irresponsible, reckless, and wrong.” In contrast, the current government is actively training and employing these paramedics in rural communities, recognizing the invaluable role they play in delivering quality medical care.

The announcement comes on the heels of a previous initiative by the former Progressive Conservative government to reintroduce advanced training for paramedics in rural and northern Manitoba, as well as the establishment of ten community paramedicine units outside of Winnipeg. Asagwara also expressed a desire to encourage the upcoming paramedic class graduating this spring to pursue advanced care certification, highlighting the availability of training opportunities and job prospects within the province.

In conclusion, the introduction of advanced care paramedics in rural and northern Manitoba represents a significant step towards improving emergency medical services in underserved communities. By expanding the scope of practice and training opportunities for paramedics, the government is committed to enhancing pre-hospital care and ensuring that residents receive the critical medical attention they need during emergencies.