Medic Monday celebrates paramedics in N.S.

September 23rd is Medic Monday to celebrate Nova Scotia’s nearly 1,300 paramedics.

According to the province, EHS received more than 192,200 calls in 2023.

In a statement, Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson says, “Paramedics are truly unsung heroes. They are often the first on the scene, saving lives in some of the most traumatic circumstances.”

President and Chief Operating Officer of Emergency Medical Care Inc., Matthew Crossman says, “Choosing to be a paramedic goes beyond a career of being a clinician. It’s a career of being of service to others. Day and night, they are there answering the call in our communities. I want to thank them for their unwavering dedication, ensuring Nova Scotians receive the best care possible.”

Support for Nova Scotia’s paramedics

The provincial government says in the past 12 months it has supported the lifesaving work of paramedics in various ways:

• provided free tuition to paramedics who agree to work in Nova Scotia for at least four years following graduation
• supported efforts to streamline the licensing process, making it easier for internationally trained paramedics to work in Nova Scotia, faster
• negotiated new agreements with higher pay for paramedics
• opened a new Emergency Health Services regional station in Antigonish County
• strengthened health and safety practices, including revised end-of-shift procedures to reduce overtime and fatigue for ground ambulance staff
• added 13 clinical transport operators to manage patient transfers, allowing paramedics to focus on emergency calls
• introduced a new emergency medical responder (EMR) role to help lessen workload; the first class graduated in June and another in August, resulting in 23 EMRs now working across the province.

The province says it will train up to 200 emergency medical responders over the next two years.