Earlier this week the Globe and Mail ran a story suggesting our health care system may not be able to meet the demand for flu vaccinations this fall...not due to a shortage of vaccine, but rather a shortage of health care providers to administer the vaccinations. In the article entitled "Canada's latest flu challenge: distribution", the Public Health Agency of Canada says "there are potentially issues about how many Canadians get vaccinated at a time" but that the problem "relates to the delivery, not the vaccine supply".
A number of provinces are concerned about timely delivery of H1N1 vaccine, and recognize the traditional model of immunization by nurse and/or physician groups may not be able to meet anticipated public demand as flu season approaches. There is also increasing concern that this years flu season may gain strength earlier than we typically see, placing additional strain on our health care system and further reducing the availability of vaccinators. At least two provinces are considering regulatory changes that would allow pharmacists to deliver flu immunizations if the need arises, which leads me to wonder...Why not use Paramedics to deliver the flu shot?
As Manitoba finalizes its H1N1 vaccination plans, I hope consideration will be given to utilizing Paramedics in the administration of influenza immunizations. Paramedics are trained to administer injection medications. Most are already certified by their Regional Medical Directors to do so, and as such are well positioned to assist wherever needed in community deliver of flu vaccines...without any regulatory changes.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has, on many occasions, made reference to the need for "reorganizing" systems of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. The fact that health planners, in the face of a pandemic scare, are looking at alternatives to the traditional immunization delivery model is a step in that direction. Using Paramedics to assist where possible just makes good sense.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Western Canada Tema Conter Gala
Edmonton will host the first ever Western Canadian Tema Conter Memorial Trust Gala on October 3rd, and Manitoba will be well represented at the event.
The Tema Conter Memorial Trust was created to assist emergency services personnel to better understand and cope with acute and post traumatic stress. The charity was established by paramedic Vince Savoia in 2001, and was named in memory of murder victim Ms. Tema Conter. Vince was one of the paramedics who attended to the scene of that crime. In the aftermath of that incident, he created the Trust as a scholarship fund to help other paramedics and create better awareness of critical incident stress.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba will be represented at the Western Canadian Gala by PAM Executive member Diane Findlay. In addition to our Association representation, the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard has accepted an invitation to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Gala. Proceeds from the evening will assist in the very valuable work done by the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.
For more information on the Tema Conter Memorial Trust and the Western Canadian Gala, you can visit the Trust web site at http://www.tema.ca/tema.php
The Tema Conter Memorial Trust was created to assist emergency services personnel to better understand and cope with acute and post traumatic stress. The charity was established by paramedic Vince Savoia in 2001, and was named in memory of murder victim Ms. Tema Conter. Vince was one of the paramedics who attended to the scene of that crime. In the aftermath of that incident, he created the Trust as a scholarship fund to help other paramedics and create better awareness of critical incident stress.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba will be represented at the Western Canadian Gala by PAM Executive member Diane Findlay. In addition to our Association representation, the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard has accepted an invitation to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Gala. Proceeds from the evening will assist in the very valuable work done by the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.
For more information on the Tema Conter Memorial Trust and the Western Canadian Gala, you can visit the Trust web site at http://www.tema.ca/tema.php
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Councillor's Comments Lack Insight
A recent swell in violence-related emergency medical response incidents in Winnipeg has renewed debate about whether or not paramedics should be issued body armour in the interest of personal protection and safety. The need for this type of equipment and any decision related to mandatory use of body armour is a discussion I'll leave to the health and safety experts and labour organizations within the profession. But comments made by City Councillor Gord Steeves related to this topic leave me shaking my head.
When questioned about the need for body armour by a local Winnipeg TV news reporter, Councillor Steeves smirkingly replied that it would be hard to rationalize the need for this type of protection for paramedics working "outside the urban core". As the Chair of Winnipeg's Standing Committee on Protection and Community Services, it appears Councillor Steeves is either suggesting violence doesn't occur outside of the downtown core, or he has limited knowledge about status management and dispatch of EMS resources within his jurisdiction.
The fact that paramedics responding to incidents in an urban core are more likely to encounter violence-related calls is one I would not argue. BUT, apparently not well understood by the Councillor is the fact that EMS resources are not and should not be limited to geographical boundaries. They are regularly and routinely sent to where they are needed, regardless of where they are stationed. Any paramedic in Winnipeg could respond to a call in the downtown core, just as any paramedic working in a rural environment could be dispatched to bordering areas. That's how any well coordinated and efficient EMS service is managed.
In fairness to Councillor Steeves, however, local politicians shouldn't be expected to be experts in the management of health care services and resources. Another argument for Manitoba to consider a provincial EMS model.
When questioned about the need for body armour by a local Winnipeg TV news reporter, Councillor Steeves smirkingly replied that it would be hard to rationalize the need for this type of protection for paramedics working "outside the urban core". As the Chair of Winnipeg's Standing Committee on Protection and Community Services, it appears Councillor Steeves is either suggesting violence doesn't occur outside of the downtown core, or he has limited knowledge about status management and dispatch of EMS resources within his jurisdiction.
The fact that paramedics responding to incidents in an urban core are more likely to encounter violence-related calls is one I would not argue. BUT, apparently not well understood by the Councillor is the fact that EMS resources are not and should not be limited to geographical boundaries. They are regularly and routinely sent to where they are needed, regardless of where they are stationed. Any paramedic in Winnipeg could respond to a call in the downtown core, just as any paramedic working in a rural environment could be dispatched to bordering areas. That's how any well coordinated and efficient EMS service is managed.
In fairness to Councillor Steeves, however, local politicians shouldn't be expected to be experts in the management of health care services and resources. Another argument for Manitoba to consider a provincial EMS model.
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