The Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC) has over 14,000 members from coast to coast. Founded in 1988 as the Canadian Society for Ambulance Personnel (CSAP), PAC represents prehospital practitioners on a national level to promote quality care and development of our profession in the public interest.
Probably best known for authoring the National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP) for paramedicine, PAC works diligently to represent paramedics on numerous federal initiatives and committees. PAC is currently undertaking a major review of the NOCP, working with regulators and the Federal Labor Mobility Coordinator Group on issues related to inter-provincial reciprocity, considering options for accreditation of EMR education programs, and has identified development of a national examination and registry as priorities within the organization's business plan. And today PAC takes a big step toward fulfilling their very ambitious agenda...they're hiring a Registrar.
The Executive, committee chairs and membership are to be commended for all that PAC has accomplished for our profession and our patients. But the "next steps" would never be realized if we continued to rely solely on volunteers to keep a national association alive.
The posting for this .5 to .75 EFT Registrar position is available on the PAC web site. I anticipate we should see this position filled before we meet in Winnipeg for the 2007 PAC AGM on June 2nd.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Right Care - Right Practitioner - Right Place
Dr. Mark Taylor, deputy head for the Department of Surgery at the University of Manitoba, made some very interesting statements in his commentary (Huge amount can be done to fix health care) published March 6th in the Winnipeg Free Press. The entire article can be viewed by clicking here.
One comment made by Dr. Taylor that's sure to raise eyebrows in the medical community..."Our health care system has largely evolved for the best interest of the practitioners". It's hard to deny that many of the road blocks placed in the way of change within our health system are a result of "protectionist attitudes" that have existed in the health care community forever. Although there seems to be more acceptance within professional realms to share responsibilities and scopes of practice, it's still too often an uphill battle when looking at ways to better utilize various health practitioners in non-traditional roles.
And in part it's this reluctance to think outside of the traditional medical model that stands in the way of doing what Dr. Taylor rightly suggests needs to be done if we want to address many of our health care woes. He goes on in his commentary to say "We need to reorganize our systems of care provision to ensure the patient gets the right care by the right practitioner in the right place".
More emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring patients entering our health care system, especially many of those currently seen in over-crowded hospital emergency rooms, are directed to more appropriate health facilities and treatment options whenever suitable. We can't continue to believe we can "buy our way out" of the increasing strain placed on our current health care system by throwing money in the form of bonuses or incentives at our practitioners. A seniors population that has doubled in the past 20 years is forecast to double again in the next 15. Hospitals and emergency rooms are no longer viable in every community. Urgent care and community facilities need to better utilize alternative existing health care options, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, therapists and paramedics. As Dr. Taylor suggests, there are ways to fix our health care system. It's time our community leaders, politicians and health administrators stopped fear-mongering whenever change in health care delivery is contemplated.
One comment made by Dr. Taylor that's sure to raise eyebrows in the medical community..."Our health care system has largely evolved for the best interest of the practitioners". It's hard to deny that many of the road blocks placed in the way of change within our health system are a result of "protectionist attitudes" that have existed in the health care community forever. Although there seems to be more acceptance within professional realms to share responsibilities and scopes of practice, it's still too often an uphill battle when looking at ways to better utilize various health practitioners in non-traditional roles.
And in part it's this reluctance to think outside of the traditional medical model that stands in the way of doing what Dr. Taylor rightly suggests needs to be done if we want to address many of our health care woes. He goes on in his commentary to say "We need to reorganize our systems of care provision to ensure the patient gets the right care by the right practitioner in the right place".
More emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring patients entering our health care system, especially many of those currently seen in over-crowded hospital emergency rooms, are directed to more appropriate health facilities and treatment options whenever suitable. We can't continue to believe we can "buy our way out" of the increasing strain placed on our current health care system by throwing money in the form of bonuses or incentives at our practitioners. A seniors population that has doubled in the past 20 years is forecast to double again in the next 15. Hospitals and emergency rooms are no longer viable in every community. Urgent care and community facilities need to better utilize alternative existing health care options, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, therapists and paramedics. As Dr. Taylor suggests, there are ways to fix our health care system. It's time our community leaders, politicians and health administrators stopped fear-mongering whenever change in health care delivery is contemplated.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Manitoba EMS Education in Peril
The future of paramedicine as a recognized health profession in this province is dependent on a model of education that is both CMA accredited and professionally accepted within the health care community. All other health professions demand diploma or degree programs for entry to practice. The announcement last year that Manitoba Health was working with Red River College to develop a PCP program for delivery beginning in September of 2007 was very welcome news, as it opened the door to a more professionally respected education program. Today that concept appears to be in jeopardy.
Red River College was promised provincial funding for program development to replace the expired rural PCP education agreement with MESC. They indicated to Manitoba Health that final approval had to be in place by January 1st of this year in order to be ready for a September 2007 course start date. Well, that date has come and gone, and Treasury Board has yet to approve the money needed for the agreement to move forward. In fact, if Red River College doesn't receive funding approval within the next month, they'll miss the next possible course start date of January '08. The education agreement between the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon and Manitoba Health expired in June of 2006. Unless RRC is able to deliver a PCP course this fall, we won't see an education program provide course graduates, at least in rural Manitoba, for a full three years. With most regions struggling to keep their heads above water staffing wise, that's a hit that many services may not be able to handle.
But what's even more alarming is that the delay caused by the government inaction in this matter may jeopardize the possibility of having a PCP diploma or degree program offered in Manitoba altogether. Not surprisingly, RRC is both frustrated and discouraged by the lack of funding approval for a project that less than a year ago seemed to be a very high priority. Rumors that Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service may be in the process of developing their own program for public offering may be another nail in the coffin of a post-secondary paramedic education program. While I appreciate the level of expertise that WFPS would bring to EMS education in the province, unless it is done in partnership with a College or University it unfortunately won't meet the expectations of the health care community, and as such does nothing to promote paramedicine as a recognized health profession.
The Manitoba Government prides itself in EMS system improvements made over the course of the past 7 years. Unfortunately, education, which is the very cornerstone around which the whole system revolves, may fallen by the wayside.
Red River College was promised provincial funding for program development to replace the expired rural PCP education agreement with MESC. They indicated to Manitoba Health that final approval had to be in place by January 1st of this year in order to be ready for a September 2007 course start date. Well, that date has come and gone, and Treasury Board has yet to approve the money needed for the agreement to move forward. In fact, if Red River College doesn't receive funding approval within the next month, they'll miss the next possible course start date of January '08. The education agreement between the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon and Manitoba Health expired in June of 2006. Unless RRC is able to deliver a PCP course this fall, we won't see an education program provide course graduates, at least in rural Manitoba, for a full three years. With most regions struggling to keep their heads above water staffing wise, that's a hit that many services may not be able to handle.
But what's even more alarming is that the delay caused by the government inaction in this matter may jeopardize the possibility of having a PCP diploma or degree program offered in Manitoba altogether. Not surprisingly, RRC is both frustrated and discouraged by the lack of funding approval for a project that less than a year ago seemed to be a very high priority. Rumors that Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service may be in the process of developing their own program for public offering may be another nail in the coffin of a post-secondary paramedic education program. While I appreciate the level of expertise that WFPS would bring to EMS education in the province, unless it is done in partnership with a College or University it unfortunately won't meet the expectations of the health care community, and as such does nothing to promote paramedicine as a recognized health profession.
The Manitoba Government prides itself in EMS system improvements made over the course of the past 7 years. Unfortunately, education, which is the very cornerstone around which the whole system revolves, may fallen by the wayside.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Emergency Room Crisis
An article in today's Winnipeg Free Press (Grace's ER in peril - March 3, 2007) once again speculates about a possible ER closure at the Grace hospital. Last year the province offered physicians $1,500.00 for every five shifts they covered at the Grace in an effort to offset a staffing shortage at the facility. Today that shortage remains, and it's not uncommon for patients to wait up to 10 hours to see a doctor. The government's solution as we move into 2007...cash incentives for physicians to pick up extra shifts. Am I missing something here?
Wait times in Winnipeg emergency rooms have been on the increase for years now. Not only are patients waiting longer to see physicians, but as you've undoubtedly experienced yourself, paramedics are often delayed far too long waiting to transfer care of their patients to hospital staff. In January of 2004 the provincial government undertook a formal review of the emergency care system in Winnipeg, and at that time we urged the Health Minister to encourage decision makers to "think outside the box" in efforts to find appropriate solutions to the problem. Among the recommendations we made at that time to help minimize ER problems:
As part of the effort to reduce the strain on Winnipeg ERs, Manitoba Health published an Emergency Room User Guide. In an effort to better educate the general public about proper emergency room use, they suggest there are certain conditions that are best dealt with "by a family doctor or local health clinic", and in fact recommend the use of Urgent Care facilities such as the Misericordia Health Centre and the Pan Am Minor Injury Clinic when appropriate. Yet paramedics are still required to transport to an emergency room.
In their white paper, the EMS Chiefs of Canada recommend that EMS become part of a "system" of health care that allows resources to be used more effectively and efficiently. They go on to say that it may "be clinically appropriate and beneficial to the health care system to assess, treat and release the patient or transfer them to another health care agency" (other than an emergency room). And yet provincial medical direction here in Manitoba refuses to consider the possibility of developing protocols to do just that.
Research suggests that only 10% of callers using 911 actually have a life threatening emergency. Many are in need of urgent or primary health care, and in fact could be dealt with through channels outside of the conventional emergency room. Innovative programs are underway in other Canadian jurisdictions to better integrate paramedics into the health care system and help minimize the increasing strain on emergency rooms and staff. Asking doctors, or for that matter any health professional, to pick up extra shifts is not the solution. We need to redefine the traditional model of pre-hospital emergency health care.
Money spent "bribing" practitioners to work longer and harder will only exacerbate the problem. Money spent on improving our EMS system can help address the real and increasing strain on our emergency facilities. Not only does it stand to reduce current pressures on our ER facilities and resources, but as pointed out in the EMS Chiefs white paper, "EMS high-level care can minimize time spent in the ICU, avoid additional complications and reduce the probability of on-going long term pressures on the health care system".
Again I ask...am I missing something here?
Wait times in Winnipeg emergency rooms have been on the increase for years now. Not only are patients waiting longer to see physicians, but as you've undoubtedly experienced yourself, paramedics are often delayed far too long waiting to transfer care of their patients to hospital staff. In January of 2004 the provincial government undertook a formal review of the emergency care system in Winnipeg, and at that time we urged the Health Minister to encourage decision makers to "think outside the box" in efforts to find appropriate solutions to the problem. Among the recommendations we made at that time to help minimize ER problems:
- increasing the number of Urgent Care facilities available and enabling paramedics to transport or refer patients to these facilities in lieu of an ER when appropriate;
- developing appropriate paramedic treat and release protocols, resulting in fewer ER admissions;
- utilizing Advanced Care (and in future Critical Care) Paramedics in emergency care facilities to assist with triage, patient re-evaluation and high workload efforts including resuscitative measures.
As part of the effort to reduce the strain on Winnipeg ERs, Manitoba Health published an Emergency Room User Guide. In an effort to better educate the general public about proper emergency room use, they suggest there are certain conditions that are best dealt with "by a family doctor or local health clinic", and in fact recommend the use of Urgent Care facilities such as the Misericordia Health Centre and the Pan Am Minor Injury Clinic when appropriate. Yet paramedics are still required to transport to an emergency room.
In their white paper, the EMS Chiefs of Canada recommend that EMS become part of a "system" of health care that allows resources to be used more effectively and efficiently. They go on to say that it may "be clinically appropriate and beneficial to the health care system to assess, treat and release the patient or transfer them to another health care agency" (other than an emergency room). And yet provincial medical direction here in Manitoba refuses to consider the possibility of developing protocols to do just that.
Research suggests that only 10% of callers using 911 actually have a life threatening emergency. Many are in need of urgent or primary health care, and in fact could be dealt with through channels outside of the conventional emergency room. Innovative programs are underway in other Canadian jurisdictions to better integrate paramedics into the health care system and help minimize the increasing strain on emergency rooms and staff. Asking doctors, or for that matter any health professional, to pick up extra shifts is not the solution. We need to redefine the traditional model of pre-hospital emergency health care.
Money spent "bribing" practitioners to work longer and harder will only exacerbate the problem. Money spent on improving our EMS system can help address the real and increasing strain on our emergency facilities. Not only does it stand to reduce current pressures on our ER facilities and resources, but as pointed out in the EMS Chiefs white paper, "EMS high-level care can minimize time spent in the ICU, avoid additional complications and reduce the probability of on-going long term pressures on the health care system".
Again I ask...am I missing something here?
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Another EMS Death
Media reports suggest that a paramedic student attending the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) was killed in a single vehicle accident in the Saskatoon area early this morning. It has been reported that the PCP student was on his way to a practicum shift with MD Ambulance when the accident occurred.
Unlikely to be considered a line of duty death, it still comes as a shock to lose another member of the Canadian EMS community. Just days ago Ontario paramedic Paul Patterson was killed in the line of duty while responding in a Rapid Response paramedic unit to a motor vehicle collision near Chatham, Ontario.
Five Canadian paramedics have died in the line of duty in the past ten months. Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier were killed after responding to an emergency call at a decommissioned mine near Cranbrook, B.C. in May of 2006. Canadian Forces medics Corporal Andrew Eykelenboom and Glen Arnold died while serving our country in Afghanistan in August and September 2006 respectively. Thirty year old Paul Paterson was killed on February 25, 2007.
Twenty-one Canadian paramedics have been killed in the line of duty in only the last 11 years. It's a sobering thought to realize we have had that many deaths in our profession in such a short time.
Please...stay safe!
Unlikely to be considered a line of duty death, it still comes as a shock to lose another member of the Canadian EMS community. Just days ago Ontario paramedic Paul Patterson was killed in the line of duty while responding in a Rapid Response paramedic unit to a motor vehicle collision near Chatham, Ontario.
Five Canadian paramedics have died in the line of duty in the past ten months. Kim Weitzel and Shawn Currier were killed after responding to an emergency call at a decommissioned mine near Cranbrook, B.C. in May of 2006. Canadian Forces medics Corporal Andrew Eykelenboom and Glen Arnold died while serving our country in Afghanistan in August and September 2006 respectively. Thirty year old Paul Paterson was killed on February 25, 2007.
Twenty-one Canadian paramedics have been killed in the line of duty in only the last 11 years. It's a sobering thought to realize we have had that many deaths in our profession in such a short time.
Please...stay safe!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
CMA Accreditation vs "The Gap" vs Reciprocity
I was asked by a member that is currently enrolled in regional "gap" training (the difference between the EMT and PCP programs as identified by Manitoba Health) whether or not this education is accredited by the CMA. The simple answer...no. Although the Technician-Paramedic license is measured against the PCP competency profile, unless you complete an accredited full PCP or PCP bridging course, the fact that you are a Tech-P does not mean your education is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.
I'm assuming that the reason some individuals are asking the question about accreditation is related to potential for employment in other EMS services (such as Winnipeg) or inter-provincial reciprocity. Two very different scenarios, as one relates to employment requirements and the other to recognition of qualifications in another jurisdiction.
In the case of employment requirements, such as applying to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the employer has every right to set minimum hiring standards. Winnipeg will not currently employ anyone who has not completed CMA accredited EMS education. So the reality is that a Technician-Paramedic in Manitoba that obtained their license by completing "gap" training will not be considered for employment. As I mentioned earlier, the "gap"training is not CMA accredited.
But inter-provincial reciprocity can be looked at somewhat differently. Most provinces have signed a document entitled Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Paramedics (available on the PAC web site...Agreement on Internal Trade pdf) Simply put, this agreement ensures that a paramedic authorized to practice in one Canadian jurisdiction will have his or her qualifications recognized in another jurisdiction. The scale used to measure these occupational qualifications is based on the NOCP. Because Manitoba has indicated that the Technician-Paramedic license they issue is based on the PCP competency profile, other Canadian jurisdictions should now recognize our Tech-P license as equivalent to PCP practice qualification. According to the MRA, your qualifications as a PCP should be recognized and only differences in occupational requirements (regional and local differences) should be tested by the regulator. This still does not, however, preclude other regulators or employers in other provinces from setting minimum requirements which may include completion of CMA accredited education.
All this said, it should be mentioned that the Paramedic Association of Manitoba supports the concept of CMA accreditation in EMS education. Accreditation is public recognition that an educational program has met national standards. The goal of CMA accreditation is to ensure that programs enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as competent health practitioners for the benefit of all Canadians. As an organization committed to achieving excellence in pre-hospital emergency care and our profession, it's important that we promote and expect accreditation of our EMS educational programs.
I'm assuming that the reason some individuals are asking the question about accreditation is related to potential for employment in other EMS services (such as Winnipeg) or inter-provincial reciprocity. Two very different scenarios, as one relates to employment requirements and the other to recognition of qualifications in another jurisdiction.
In the case of employment requirements, such as applying to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the employer has every right to set minimum hiring standards. Winnipeg will not currently employ anyone who has not completed CMA accredited EMS education. So the reality is that a Technician-Paramedic in Manitoba that obtained their license by completing "gap" training will not be considered for employment. As I mentioned earlier, the "gap"training is not CMA accredited.
But inter-provincial reciprocity can be looked at somewhat differently. Most provinces have signed a document entitled Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Paramedics (available on the PAC web site...Agreement on Internal Trade pdf) Simply put, this agreement ensures that a paramedic authorized to practice in one Canadian jurisdiction will have his or her qualifications recognized in another jurisdiction. The scale used to measure these occupational qualifications is based on the NOCP. Because Manitoba has indicated that the Technician-Paramedic license they issue is based on the PCP competency profile, other Canadian jurisdictions should now recognize our Tech-P license as equivalent to PCP practice qualification. According to the MRA, your qualifications as a PCP should be recognized and only differences in occupational requirements (regional and local differences) should be tested by the regulator. This still does not, however, preclude other regulators or employers in other provinces from setting minimum requirements which may include completion of CMA accredited education.
All this said, it should be mentioned that the Paramedic Association of Manitoba supports the concept of CMA accreditation in EMS education. Accreditation is public recognition that an educational program has met national standards. The goal of CMA accreditation is to ensure that programs enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as competent health practitioners for the benefit of all Canadians. As an organization committed to achieving excellence in pre-hospital emergency care and our profession, it's important that we promote and expect accreditation of our EMS educational programs.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Ontario Paramedic Line of Duty Death
A fifth Canadian paramedic has been killed in the line of duty since May of last year. Paul W. Patterson, a Primary Care Paramedic with Sun Parlour Emergency Services in Chatham, Ontario, died while responding to a motor vehicle collision on Sunday, February 25th. Paul was only 30 years old, and had graduated from Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology in 2001. Details regarding funeral arrangements and the accident that claimed Paul's life can be found on the Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) web site.
Paul's death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by emergency medical services providers each and every day in our work to save the lives of others. Like all emergency services, we're often asked to assist others in times of poor weather and difficult conditions. It's especially difficult for those who knew and worked with Paul to have had to respond to the accident that claimed his life, and my thoughts are prayers are with those individuals as well as his family and friends.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has sent condolences to Sun Parlour EMS staff and management, and asked them to convey our sympathies to Paul's family. We will be represented at the line of duty death funeral planned for Friday, March 2nd in Strathroy, Ontario. Anyone planning to attend the funeral is asked to notify the OPA by email...that information can be found following the LODD notice on their web site.
PAM asks that paramedics wear LODD pins or black ribbons on their uniform in honor of Paul's memory. EMS services should also lower flags to half mast until the funeral has been held.
Details regarding the Canadian paramedic line of duty deaths that have occurred in the past year can be found in the press release issued by the Paramedic Association of Manitoba posted on our web site.
Stay safe everyone!
Paul's death is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by emergency medical services providers each and every day in our work to save the lives of others. Like all emergency services, we're often asked to assist others in times of poor weather and difficult conditions. It's especially difficult for those who knew and worked with Paul to have had to respond to the accident that claimed his life, and my thoughts are prayers are with those individuals as well as his family and friends.
The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has sent condolences to Sun Parlour EMS staff and management, and asked them to convey our sympathies to Paul's family. We will be represented at the line of duty death funeral planned for Friday, March 2nd in Strathroy, Ontario. Anyone planning to attend the funeral is asked to notify the OPA by email...that information can be found following the LODD notice on their web site.
PAM asks that paramedics wear LODD pins or black ribbons on their uniform in honor of Paul's memory. EMS services should also lower flags to half mast until the funeral has been held.
Details regarding the Canadian paramedic line of duty deaths that have occurred in the past year can be found in the press release issued by the Paramedic Association of Manitoba posted on our web site.
Stay safe everyone!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Province Funds New EMS Station
Earlier this week Premier Gary Doer announced funding to build and staff a new EMS facility within the Interlake Region. The absence of an ambulance in the areas of East and West St Paul have been a consistent topic of debate in the legislature's Question Period since the death of a prominent area resident nearly two years ago.
I was invited by Health Minister Theresa Oswald to attend this announcement. I took advantage of the invitation and used the opportunity to meet very briefly with the Premier...something we've been trying to make happen for almost two years now. As an aside to the funding story, I was assured by Premier Doer that he would like to meet formally with us in the coming weeks.
The funding announced to build and operate this new EMS facility is quite substantial. The capital cost approved for erecting the station is close to $300,000.00, which by Manitoba Health standards should result in a two bay garage with modest living accommodations for staff. The promise to cover operating expenses at an annual cost of approximately $525,000.00 equates to 24-hour full time staffing of one ambulance. While the province has built a number of new EMS facilities over the course of the past 7 years, most have been replacement buildings. To my knowledge this is only the second "new" location adding to existing resources (Kinnesota Trails being the other). On the surface...a "good news" story for Manitoba EMS.
But in my mind this announcement also sounds a number of warning bells. Premier Doer suggested that lengthy response times (20 - 25 minutes) in the southern portion of the Interlake Region at least in part prompted this decision. It's a dangerous statement to make in light of the fact that Manitoba has yet to develop any response standards against which to measure our performance. While this announcement certainly acknowledges the need for system improvements, it does so by once again reacting to a very specific problem without addressing current system inconsistencies and inefficiencies that exist province-wide. And I dare say that staffing of this facility will be another interesting problem. Without exception all regions are teetering on the brink of experiencing paramedic shortages, compounded by the fact that the province is dragging it's heals on the funding approval needed for Red River College to have any chance of being ready to deliver PCP education this fall.
There's no doubt that the NDP government has made significant investments in our EMS system since first elected in 1999. Introduction of a Fleet vehicle program, a much improved communications system, development of the MTCC, substantial increases in regional funding to offset staffing costs, elimination of the interfacility-transfer cost to patients and announcements such as this new facility in the Interlake are all welcome indeed. But what has yet to be adopted by this government is a concrete plan that will improve Manitoba's emergency medical services system as a whole and ensure it's sustainability going into the future. Without that I fear we may simply be throwing more good money after bad.
I was invited by Health Minister Theresa Oswald to attend this announcement. I took advantage of the invitation and used the opportunity to meet very briefly with the Premier...something we've been trying to make happen for almost two years now. As an aside to the funding story, I was assured by Premier Doer that he would like to meet formally with us in the coming weeks.
The funding announced to build and operate this new EMS facility is quite substantial. The capital cost approved for erecting the station is close to $300,000.00, which by Manitoba Health standards should result in a two bay garage with modest living accommodations for staff. The promise to cover operating expenses at an annual cost of approximately $525,000.00 equates to 24-hour full time staffing of one ambulance. While the province has built a number of new EMS facilities over the course of the past 7 years, most have been replacement buildings. To my knowledge this is only the second "new" location adding to existing resources (Kinnesota Trails being the other). On the surface...a "good news" story for Manitoba EMS.
But in my mind this announcement also sounds a number of warning bells. Premier Doer suggested that lengthy response times (20 - 25 minutes) in the southern portion of the Interlake Region at least in part prompted this decision. It's a dangerous statement to make in light of the fact that Manitoba has yet to develop any response standards against which to measure our performance. While this announcement certainly acknowledges the need for system improvements, it does so by once again reacting to a very specific problem without addressing current system inconsistencies and inefficiencies that exist province-wide. And I dare say that staffing of this facility will be another interesting problem. Without exception all regions are teetering on the brink of experiencing paramedic shortages, compounded by the fact that the province is dragging it's heals on the funding approval needed for Red River College to have any chance of being ready to deliver PCP education this fall.
There's no doubt that the NDP government has made significant investments in our EMS system since first elected in 1999. Introduction of a Fleet vehicle program, a much improved communications system, development of the MTCC, substantial increases in regional funding to offset staffing costs, elimination of the interfacility-transfer cost to patients and announcements such as this new facility in the Interlake are all welcome indeed. But what has yet to be adopted by this government is a concrete plan that will improve Manitoba's emergency medical services system as a whole and ensure it's sustainability going into the future. Without that I fear we may simply be throwing more good money after bad.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Black Ribbon Protocol
Questions often arise regarding the wearing of commemorative black ribbons at funerals or memorial services. The Paramedic Association of Canada has developed a protocol to assist EMS personnel in these instances.
Black ribbons are appropriately worn at any function associated with the death of emergency services personnel, including funerals, memorial and remembrance services and dedications.
Commemorative black ribbons can be made using plain, non-glossy straight edged black ribbon cloth. The ribbon should be cut approximately 1/2" wide by 4" in length, folded over itself and secured with a small gold safety pin. The ribbon ends are then cut on an angle with the tails splayed out as shown here. The ribbon should be worn on the left pocket flap of a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic above and to the right of the button, attached with an appropriate pin (straight pin, EMS pin or Canadian flag).
PAC Line of Duty death pins are not bona fide medals, and therefore should NOT be worn on the left side. They are to be worn on a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic, and should be placed on the right hand pocket pleat immediately below the pocket flap.
Name tags, if worn, should be placed above the right hand pocket flap of the shirt, jacket or tunic.
Black ribbons are appropriately worn at any function associated with the death of emergency services personnel, including funerals, memorial and remembrance services and dedications.
Commemorative black ribbons can be made using plain, non-glossy straight edged black ribbon cloth. The ribbon should be cut approximately 1/2" wide by 4" in length, folded over itself and secured with a small gold safety pin. The ribbon ends are then cut on an angle with the tails splayed out as shown here. The ribbon should be worn on the left pocket flap of a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic above and to the right of the button, attached with an appropriate pin (straight pin, EMS pin or Canadian flag).
PAC Line of Duty death pins are not bona fide medals, and therefore should NOT be worn on the left side. They are to be worn on a uniform shirt, jacket or dress tunic, and should be placed on the right hand pocket pleat immediately below the pocket flap.Name tags, if worn, should be placed above the right hand pocket flap of the shirt, jacket or tunic.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Tragic LODD in Winnipeg
By now everyone has heard or read about the deaths of two Winnipeg firefighters killed battling a house blaze in Winnipeg on Sunday, February 4. These line of duty fire deaths are the first in the city since 1990. Four other firefighters were also injured and taken to hospital. This tragedy will affect not only the families of the two deceased Captains, but obviously all members and staff of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.Immediately upon hearing news of this tragic event I contacted WFPS Chief Jim Brennan and UFFW President Alex Forrest to convey condolences on behalf of the Executive and membership of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba. Letters of condolence were sent to these organizations, as well as to the unions representing paramedics in the City (PPAW and WFPSOA). This is a tragedy that will impact on all Winnipeg emergency services personnel and many others within the fire and EMS community.
It is my understanding that a full honours ceremony will be held to pay tribute to these brave men, and the Paramedic Association of Manitoba will certainly be in attendance.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected by this horrific event. May these very brave souls rest in peace!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
NDP Convention "Debate" Alarming
I attended the NDP Convention today as a non party-member observer. Health resolutions were on the agenda for discussion this morning, and I had hoped to see rank and file delegates send a message to their brass about much needed improvements in our EMS system as well as giving them the thumbs up on self-regulation for paramedics. Unfortunately neither occurred...but that's not what alarmed me the most.
The morning began with convention delegates re-prioritizing the resolutions to be presented in the very short one hour and fifteen minutes scheduled for debating health issues. As a result, neither of the resolutions I had hoped might be given consideration even reached the floor for discussion. Surprisingly (to me at least) the one EMS related issue that was discussed...and approved...related to fees for basic ambulance service. Delegates at the convention overwhelmingly supported a resolution stating "that all ambulance calls be paid for by Manitoba Health as an essential service." As I said, I was surprised, but still not alarmed.
Union members of the International Association of Firefighters representing Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson were in attendance at the weekend convention. In discussions with other convention delegates, they expressed concern about many of the EMS related resolutions. And when asked, they clearly indicated that they would be speaking and voting against the resolution supporting paramedic self-regulation. When I heard about their position on this issue, I admit I was somewhat surprised. But I expected that once the attributes of professional self-regulation were fully understood, their position might change. After all, this is about protecting the public's best interests.
What alarmed me most was the "debate" that ensued between myself and many of the IAFF members present. Without doubt there are still many questions that need answering about what self-regulation for paramedics in Manitoba might look like, and all stakeholders deserve to be consulted as that picture unfolds. Educational standards, licensing, scope of practice, ethics, disciplinary process and competency maintenance are all areas that need to be addressed to ensure our patients receive appropriate treatment and protection. As paramedics, these are professional responsibilities we can't take likely, regardless of the type of EMS system we work in.
But at first glance the IAFF seems prepared to ignore these professional responsibilities. Those that were present at the NDP convention seemed more concerned about having to pay a fee for licensing. Union executive clearly articulated the need to protect their members outweighed any responsibility to protecting the public. There was even the suggestion that a Government regulator might be "better for their members" than a peer driven professional regulatory body.
I appreciate the fact that unions have an obligation to protect their membership in areas related to labour relations. But as paramedics and health professionals, we have a responsibility to protect those we treat and care for each and every day. That responsibility should be first and foremost for all paramedics, regardless of where they work or the union they belong to. To think that may not always be the case...that alarms me.
The morning began with convention delegates re-prioritizing the resolutions to be presented in the very short one hour and fifteen minutes scheduled for debating health issues. As a result, neither of the resolutions I had hoped might be given consideration even reached the floor for discussion. Surprisingly (to me at least) the one EMS related issue that was discussed...and approved...related to fees for basic ambulance service. Delegates at the convention overwhelmingly supported a resolution stating "that all ambulance calls be paid for by Manitoba Health as an essential service." As I said, I was surprised, but still not alarmed.
Union members of the International Association of Firefighters representing Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson were in attendance at the weekend convention. In discussions with other convention delegates, they expressed concern about many of the EMS related resolutions. And when asked, they clearly indicated that they would be speaking and voting against the resolution supporting paramedic self-regulation. When I heard about their position on this issue, I admit I was somewhat surprised. But I expected that once the attributes of professional self-regulation were fully understood, their position might change. After all, this is about protecting the public's best interests.
What alarmed me most was the "debate" that ensued between myself and many of the IAFF members present. Without doubt there are still many questions that need answering about what self-regulation for paramedics in Manitoba might look like, and all stakeholders deserve to be consulted as that picture unfolds. Educational standards, licensing, scope of practice, ethics, disciplinary process and competency maintenance are all areas that need to be addressed to ensure our patients receive appropriate treatment and protection. As paramedics, these are professional responsibilities we can't take likely, regardless of the type of EMS system we work in.
But at first glance the IAFF seems prepared to ignore these professional responsibilities. Those that were present at the NDP convention seemed more concerned about having to pay a fee for licensing. Union executive clearly articulated the need to protect their members outweighed any responsibility to protecting the public. There was even the suggestion that a Government regulator might be "better for their members" than a peer driven professional regulatory body.
I appreciate the fact that unions have an obligation to protect their membership in areas related to labour relations. But as paramedics and health professionals, we have a responsibility to protect those we treat and care for each and every day. That responsibility should be first and foremost for all paramedics, regardless of where they work or the union they belong to. To think that may not always be the case...that alarms me.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
NDP Convention to Debate EMS
Of the fifty resolutions pertinent to health care that will be presented for debate at the NDP Convention in Winnipeg this weekend, 7 are related directly to emergency medical services. Two call for government to subsidize the cost of basic ambulance fees, one asks the NDP to legislate the placement of AEDs in government and public locations, and another put forth by the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) calls for increased funding for training and education of EMS personnel.
Two resolutions are of particular interest to me...one seeks support for paramedic self-regulation and the other urges the NDP government to establish a provincial operational model for EMS. They read as follows:
Two resolutions are of particular interest to me...one seeks support for paramedic self-regulation and the other urges the NDP government to establish a provincial operational model for EMS. They read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Manitoba NDP Government enact legislation to give paramedics the ability to self regulate.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT this convention urge the NDP to ensure, endorse and establish, while in government, a provincial
Interestingly enough, the MFL also submitted a resolution dealing with EMS service delivery. While it doesn't specifically seek a provincial oversight body, it does ask that the government "ensure our emergency medical services provide consistent, uniform, quality patient care on an equal basis for all Manitobans."
Acceptance of these resolutions at the weekend Convention by no means forces the government to act accordingly. But it does send a very clear message to the NDP about what's important to party members. I encourage anyone planning to attend the Convention to ensure your voice is heard.. as a party member but even even more importantly as a paramedic trying to do the best job you can for your patients.
Monday, January 29, 2007
"Ambulance Drivers" Good Enough for Municipal Politicians?
A recent story in the Virden Empire-Advance, a weekly newspaper serving the Virden area, is indicative of how much old-fashioned thinking still exists in the political arena, especially in many southern Manitoba municipalities.
The article, (Ambulance Agonies, written by Brent Fitzpatrick), which appeared in the Virden Empire-Advance on Saturday, January 20 says many of the local politicians in that area think the new training requirements for ambulance attendants in Manitoba "go too far". Oak Lake mayor Jeff Sigurdson says "They are pretty much getting a doctor to do volunteer work." Roland Gagnon, mayor of Elkhorn suggests that if local residents can't just be a driver anymore it may be "tough to have people come forward to volunteer to be an ambulance attendant." R.M. of Pipestone Reeve Ross Tycoles adds "Something needs to be done now...we're going to push for a group meeting with the RHA."
For a politician at any level of government to think that education for EMS providers in this province should be dictated by the ability to recruit volunteer ambulance drivers is inconceivable! It takes us back twenty, thirty, maybe even forty years...to the days when an ambulance was nothing more than a quick ride to a hospital. Unfortunately this thinking isn't limited to one or two municipal officials. I've heard it from councillors, mayors, reeves...even some MLAs. For reasons that are absolutely mind-boggling to me, they argue that improvements that have been made to EMS in Manitoba over the past few years have done nothing more than eliminate opportunities for local residents to volunteer for the ambulance service.
There's no doubt that the education requirements set out in the new regulations may necessitate the need for a strategic review of how best to ensure Manitobans have access to EMS on a timely basis. But this article clearly suggests that too many of the people tasked with governing our communities still understand very little about paramedicine and the very real benefit a strong pre-hospital service brings to their residents.
Your local politicians need to understand that changes to training requirements for ambulance attendants won't spell the end of service for some smaller communities...they will ensure that residents in all Manitoba communities have access to appropriate emergency health care when they need it most. Volunteers built our EMS system, and they struggled to hold it together for decades. But to even suggest that we should return to a system that relies on community volunteers trained in emergency first aid as a foundation around which to build an EMS system scares me...and I was one of those volunteers!
I encourage you to contact your local government officials and see where they stand on this issue...especially if you live in the Virden area!
To download a pdf copy of the article from the PAM website click here. The quality of this pdf file is poor, but it's worth reading anyway.
Our letter to the Editor of the Virden Empire-Advance can be viewed here. This was copied to the governments quoted in the article as well as to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
The article, (Ambulance Agonies, written by Brent Fitzpatrick), which appeared in the Virden Empire-Advance on Saturday, January 20 says many of the local politicians in that area think the new training requirements for ambulance attendants in Manitoba "go too far". Oak Lake mayor Jeff Sigurdson says "They are pretty much getting a doctor to do volunteer work." Roland Gagnon, mayor of Elkhorn suggests that if local residents can't just be a driver anymore it may be "tough to have people come forward to volunteer to be an ambulance attendant." R.M. of Pipestone Reeve Ross Tycoles adds "Something needs to be done now...we're going to push for a group meeting with the RHA."
For a politician at any level of government to think that education for EMS providers in this province should be dictated by the ability to recruit volunteer ambulance drivers is inconceivable! It takes us back twenty, thirty, maybe even forty years...to the days when an ambulance was nothing more than a quick ride to a hospital. Unfortunately this thinking isn't limited to one or two municipal officials. I've heard it from councillors, mayors, reeves...even some MLAs. For reasons that are absolutely mind-boggling to me, they argue that improvements that have been made to EMS in Manitoba over the past few years have done nothing more than eliminate opportunities for local residents to volunteer for the ambulance service.
There's no doubt that the education requirements set out in the new regulations may necessitate the need for a strategic review of how best to ensure Manitobans have access to EMS on a timely basis. But this article clearly suggests that too many of the people tasked with governing our communities still understand very little about paramedicine and the very real benefit a strong pre-hospital service brings to their residents.
Your local politicians need to understand that changes to training requirements for ambulance attendants won't spell the end of service for some smaller communities...they will ensure that residents in all Manitoba communities have access to appropriate emergency health care when they need it most. Volunteers built our EMS system, and they struggled to hold it together for decades. But to even suggest that we should return to a system that relies on community volunteers trained in emergency first aid as a foundation around which to build an EMS system scares me...and I was one of those volunteers!
I encourage you to contact your local government officials and see where they stand on this issue...especially if you live in the Virden area!
To download a pdf copy of the article from the PAM website click here. The quality of this pdf file is poor, but it's worth reading anyway.
Our letter to the Editor of the Virden Empire-Advance can be viewed here. This was copied to the governments quoted in the article as well as to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Recent Event Supports Need for Blood Samples Legislation
Media reports relating to the December police shooting on Jubilee Avenue in Winnipeg clearly support the need for some form of Blood Samples legislation in Manitoba. According to CBC news, the bullet that injured one the police officers in that incident was contaminated with blood after having passed through the suspect's hand and ricocheted into the officer's leg. Winnipeg police have now requested a warrant demanding a blood sample from the suspect to test for the possibility of infectious disease.
In September of 2003, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba wrote to the provincial Justice Minister asking the government to consider the development of blood samples legislation as recommended by a national Joint Working Group. The Minister at that time, Gord Mackintosh, replied saying that he agreed with the need for such legislation and hoped to have it in place the following year. In August of 2004 the Paramedic Association of Manitoba was asked by the provincial government to host a meeting of interested stakeholders for input into what this legislation should look like. Correspondence from government officials subsequent to that meeting indicated the provincial government planned to introduce blood samples legislation in late 2005.
Much to our surprise and disappointment, Health Minister (at the time) Tim Sale announced in November of 2005 that proposed legislation dealing with mandatory blood testing would not proceed as promised, due to concerns raised by certain human rights organizations. Despite our contention that government owed it to every first responder, paramedic, police or corrections officer, firefighter and Good Samaritan to ensure their rights were respected and upheld, the government refused to move forward in this area.
The very fact that Winnipeg Police have found it necessary to try to obtain a warrant for blood testing in this case supports the demand for legislation of mandatory blood testing in certain situations. The Paramedic Association of Manitoba will renew our argument for blood samples legislation in an effort to ensure a process is put in place that provides protection and reassurance to anyone that finds themselves facing the uncertainty and potential health risks associated with a potentially harmful exposure.
In September of 2003, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba wrote to the provincial Justice Minister asking the government to consider the development of blood samples legislation as recommended by a national Joint Working Group. The Minister at that time, Gord Mackintosh, replied saying that he agreed with the need for such legislation and hoped to have it in place the following year. In August of 2004 the Paramedic Association of Manitoba was asked by the provincial government to host a meeting of interested stakeholders for input into what this legislation should look like. Correspondence from government officials subsequent to that meeting indicated the provincial government planned to introduce blood samples legislation in late 2005.
Much to our surprise and disappointment, Health Minister (at the time) Tim Sale announced in November of 2005 that proposed legislation dealing with mandatory blood testing would not proceed as promised, due to concerns raised by certain human rights organizations. Despite our contention that government owed it to every first responder, paramedic, police or corrections officer, firefighter and Good Samaritan to ensure their rights were respected and upheld, the government refused to move forward in this area.
The very fact that Winnipeg Police have found it necessary to try to obtain a warrant for blood testing in this case supports the demand for legislation of mandatory blood testing in certain situations. The Paramedic Association of Manitoba will renew our argument for blood samples legislation in an effort to ensure a process is put in place that provides protection and reassurance to anyone that finds themselves facing the uncertainty and potential health risks associated with a potentially harmful exposure.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Manitoba Conservative Health Policies
Manitoba PC Health Critic Myrna Driedger has prepared a discussion paper entitled "Public Services That Work:Innovation That Delivers Results" which undoubtedly will form the basis of the Conservative health policy going into the next provincial election. This document is available for viewing on the PC Manitoba web site.
Last week I was given a copy of this document by the Conservative Party and asked to comment on the accuracy of information relative to EMS. In October of last year we met with Ms. Driedger and PC Leader Hugh McFadyen to discuss issues related to emergency medical services in Manitoba (October 23, 2006). At that time we talked about the varied and inconsistent service delivery models within the 11 RHAs, and the need for a more centralized management model for EMS in the province. While somewhat vague in terms of how they would work to achieve that goal, they have acknowledged our input and the need for improvement in this area.
Another concept we presented to the Conservatives was strengthening the role of paramedics in our health care system as well as utilizing our profession in non-traditional EMS initiatives (community health programs, in-hospital care, etc). That too is discussed in Ms. Driedger's paper, although mention of expanding scopes of practice for health care providers falls well short of identifying paramedics as a critical human resource within the health care system.
There is one very disappointing comment made in Ms. Driedger's discussion paper, and it's a theme that's been expressed to me by many rural Conservative MLAs in the past. To state that "Access to ambulance services has become more difficult for some communities which, due to enhanced training requirements, can no longer operate volunteer paramedic services" (page 13) certainly suggests there is a philosophy amongst some Conservatives that our role is still nothing more than that of an "ambulance driver".
We should appreciate the fact that the Conservative Party has asked for our input, and I will convey that to Ms. Driedger when I respond with my comments. While we may take exception to some of the content, the fact that we have been consulted tells me that we are seen as a valuable resource and stakeholder. I encourage you to visit the PC Manitoba web site and review this discussion paper. Send me your thoughts...and better yet, send them to the Conservative nominee in your riding.
Last week I was given a copy of this document by the Conservative Party and asked to comment on the accuracy of information relative to EMS. In October of last year we met with Ms. Driedger and PC Leader Hugh McFadyen to discuss issues related to emergency medical services in Manitoba (October 23, 2006). At that time we talked about the varied and inconsistent service delivery models within the 11 RHAs, and the need for a more centralized management model for EMS in the province. While somewhat vague in terms of how they would work to achieve that goal, they have acknowledged our input and the need for improvement in this area.
Another concept we presented to the Conservatives was strengthening the role of paramedics in our health care system as well as utilizing our profession in non-traditional EMS initiatives (community health programs, in-hospital care, etc). That too is discussed in Ms. Driedger's paper, although mention of expanding scopes of practice for health care providers falls well short of identifying paramedics as a critical human resource within the health care system.
There is one very disappointing comment made in Ms. Driedger's discussion paper, and it's a theme that's been expressed to me by many rural Conservative MLAs in the past. To state that "Access to ambulance services has become more difficult for some communities which, due to enhanced training requirements, can no longer operate volunteer paramedic services" (page 13) certainly suggests there is a philosophy amongst some Conservatives that our role is still nothing more than that of an "ambulance driver".
We should appreciate the fact that the Conservative Party has asked for our input, and I will convey that to Ms. Driedger when I respond with my comments. While we may take exception to some of the content, the fact that we have been consulted tells me that we are seen as a valuable resource and stakeholder. I encourage you to visit the PC Manitoba web site and review this discussion paper. Send me your thoughts...and better yet, send them to the Conservative nominee in your riding.
Friday, January 19, 2007
EMS on NDP Convention Agenda
The Manitoba NDP Party will hold their 2007 Convention at the CanadInns Polo Park in Winnipeg EMS based resolutions will be presented for deliberation. Of particular interest to me, and I expect all Manitoba paramedics, are proposals related to self-regulation and improvements in EMS service delivery.
Early in 2006, the Manitoba Young New Democrats (MYND) passed a resolution calling on the Government to create a provincial authority that would support consistent and provincially recognized standards of care. Later in the year, delegates at the Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) Convention called on their organization to lobby Government to “ensure
While the Paramedic Association of Manitoba is a non-partisan organization, I think it’s necessary that we support initiatives that promote excellence in pre-hospital emergency health care and within our profession. That, after all, is the very essence of who we are and why our association exists.
I anticipate receiving copies of the resolutions that will be presented at the NDP Convention sometime later this month. When I do I’ll post them for everyone’s consideration. I encourage paramedics who are affiliated with the NDP party, and especially those who may be attending their upcoming Convention, to ensure this government continues to receive a clear message indicating the need for system improvements and paramedic self-regulation.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Tories Support Self-Regulation...for Therapists
Manitoba Conservative MLA for Minnedosa, Leanne Rowat, has spoken out encouraging the NDP government to support regulatory legislation for athletic therapy. In a news release issued January 17th, she describes the need for specialized health professionals such as athletic therapists to be recognized in Manitoba’s health care system, and asks that they be included in proposed new legislation that would cover all health professions in Manitoba. Ms. Rowat's news release can be found on the Conservative party web site.
The Manitoba government is currently in the process of consulting with the province's 20 existing self-regulating health organizations (College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, etc) with the intent of developing umbrella legislation to cover all health professions. Once completed, a single Act would legislate all regulated health professions in Manitoba, each group with their own set of regulations specific to that profession. This Health Professions Regulatory Reform Initiative is expected to be completed within the next 12 - 15 months.
In March of 2006, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba asked Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen if he would support self-regulation for paramedics. In a written response he indicated that he would be open to exploring that option, and again supported that position when we met with him in early October of last year. Yesterday I congratulated Ms. Rowat for her initiative in calling for the inclusion of athletic therapy as a recognized health profession, and reminded Mr. McFadyen and Ms. Myrna Driedger (Health Critic) that "It is our hope that Manitoba Conservatives will continue to appeal for the inclusion of legitimate health professions in new legislation, including paramedicine, as the government undertakes their Health Professions Regulatory Reform Initiative".
I encourage you to write to your provincial MLA (copied to the Paramedic Association of Manitoba) and ask that they support the recognition of paramedicine as a health profession within any new Health Professions legislation, and also that they support self-regulation for paramedics in Manitoba. Contact information for your MLA can be found on the Manitoba Legislature web site.
The Manitoba government is currently in the process of consulting with the province's 20 existing self-regulating health organizations (College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, etc) with the intent of developing umbrella legislation to cover all health professions. Once completed, a single Act would legislate all regulated health professions in Manitoba, each group with their own set of regulations specific to that profession. This Health Professions Regulatory Reform Initiative is expected to be completed within the next 12 - 15 months.
In March of 2006, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba asked Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen if he would support self-regulation for paramedics. In a written response he indicated that he would be open to exploring that option, and again supported that position when we met with him in early October of last year. Yesterday I congratulated Ms. Rowat for her initiative in calling for the inclusion of athletic therapy as a recognized health profession, and reminded Mr. McFadyen and Ms. Myrna Driedger (Health Critic) that "It is our hope that Manitoba Conservatives will continue to appeal for the inclusion of legitimate health professions in new legislation, including paramedicine, as the government undertakes their Health Professions Regulatory Reform Initiative".
I encourage you to write to your provincial MLA (copied to the Paramedic Association of Manitoba) and ask that they support the recognition of paramedicine as a health profession within any new Health Professions legislation, and also that they support self-regulation for paramedics in Manitoba. Contact information for your MLA can be found on the Manitoba Legislature web site.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Back to Blogging
I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry!
It's been over six weeks since I last posted on my Blog. I'd like to blame that lost time on the hectic holiday season, but that probably won't cut it. So suffice it to say that my New Years resolution will be to ensure that a similar incident doesn't happen again!
The fact that I haven't posted lately doesn't mean that the Association hasn't been busy. December was a very busy month for the Paramedic Association of Manitoba despite the holiday season. We were invited early in the month to meet with the Premier's Chief of Staff, Michael Balagus, to discuss preliminary plans to allow memorial monuments to be erected on the legislative grounds. More importantly, this meeting provided us an opportunity to bring other issues directly to the attention of the Premier's office...issues that we've been trying to elevate to that level with very limited success for some time now. I also had opportunity in December to meet once again with staff in Minister Oswald's office to talk about problems with service delivery, including the frequency with which Winnipeg has "run out of ambulances" in recent weeks and months.
Jodi and I met with representatives of the College of Midwives of Manitoba late last month. We initiated this meeting in an effort to better understand the process that led to their self-regulatory status, as well as seek any advice they might be willing to share with us having been recently completed the application process themselves. Meeting with other health regulators is something that we need continue, not only to solicit advice but also gain support as we consider how best to move forward in our quest for self-regulation.
On January 10th I met with WFPS acting Chief Jim Brennan. We discussed a number of issues, including potential use of PAMs Con-Ed material as a component of ARML for Winnipeg staff, the possibility of WFPS assisting with PCP Bridging of rural paramedics and plans for the EMS Chiefs of Canada Conference being held in Winnipeg later this spring. Even more recently I had opportunity to meet with the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health responsible for EMS, John Stinson. Mr. Stinson recently had EMS moved into his portfolio, and has promised to continue working closely with our Association.
Just yesterday I was invited to meet again with Myrna Driedger, the Conservative critic for health. Ms. Driedger provided us with a copy of her discussion paper entitled Public Services That Work, and asked that we comment on areas related to EMS and health care for her consideration. Anyone interested in reviewing this document can download it from the PC Manitoba web site. We'll continue to meet with politicians from all provincial parties in expectation of a provincial election sometime in 2007.
Once again, my apologies for having taken such an extended leave of absence from this Blog.
It's been over six weeks since I last posted on my Blog. I'd like to blame that lost time on the hectic holiday season, but that probably won't cut it. So suffice it to say that my New Years resolution will be to ensure that a similar incident doesn't happen again!
The fact that I haven't posted lately doesn't mean that the Association hasn't been busy. December was a very busy month for the Paramedic Association of Manitoba despite the holiday season. We were invited early in the month to meet with the Premier's Chief of Staff, Michael Balagus, to discuss preliminary plans to allow memorial monuments to be erected on the legislative grounds. More importantly, this meeting provided us an opportunity to bring other issues directly to the attention of the Premier's office...issues that we've been trying to elevate to that level with very limited success for some time now. I also had opportunity in December to meet once again with staff in Minister Oswald's office to talk about problems with service delivery, including the frequency with which Winnipeg has "run out of ambulances" in recent weeks and months.
Jodi and I met with representatives of the College of Midwives of Manitoba late last month. We initiated this meeting in an effort to better understand the process that led to their self-regulatory status, as well as seek any advice they might be willing to share with us having been recently completed the application process themselves. Meeting with other health regulators is something that we need continue, not only to solicit advice but also gain support as we consider how best to move forward in our quest for self-regulation.
On January 10th I met with WFPS acting Chief Jim Brennan. We discussed a number of issues, including potential use of PAMs Con-Ed material as a component of ARML for Winnipeg staff, the possibility of WFPS assisting with PCP Bridging of rural paramedics and plans for the EMS Chiefs of Canada Conference being held in Winnipeg later this spring. Even more recently I had opportunity to meet with the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health responsible for EMS, John Stinson. Mr. Stinson recently had EMS moved into his portfolio, and has promised to continue working closely with our Association.
Just yesterday I was invited to meet again with Myrna Driedger, the Conservative critic for health. Ms. Driedger provided us with a copy of her discussion paper entitled Public Services That Work, and asked that we comment on areas related to EMS and health care for her consideration. Anyone interested in reviewing this document can download it from the PC Manitoba web site. We'll continue to meet with politicians from all provincial parties in expectation of a provincial election sometime in 2007.
Once again, my apologies for having taken such an extended leave of absence from this Blog.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Accredited PCP Bridging
With the announcement earlier this year that the Manitoba Emergency Services College would no longer be offering a rural PCP bridging program, many practitioners have been left wondering how best to pursue completion of Canadian Medical Association (CMA) accredited education to bridge to the PCP level. While this bridge education is not necessarily required to apply for licensing as a Technician-Paramedic in Manitoba ("grandfathering from EMT to Tech-P can be granted under specific conditions), there is significant benefit to obtaining education in a health profession that has that CMA "seal of approval" known as accreditation. Many employers and regulators, not only in Manitoba but across the country, require completion of CMA accredited education as a prerequisite to employment or licensure.
The rural PCP bridging program was accredited by the CMA as a partnership between the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. It recognized four regional delivery sites...Brandon, Interlake, South Eastman and Parkland. As such, it may be feasible that an agreement could be reached between interested regional health authorities and WFPS to deliver a rural bridging program for practitioners interested in pursuing a CMA accredited program. At the very least, the accreditation certainly allows WFPS to continue delivering this education in Winnipeg until the CMA expiry date in 2009.
I had some very preliminary discussions with WFPS around this concept yesterday. PAM will continue to pursue the possibility of working with various RHAs and WFPS to see if an agreement can be reached to deliver rural PCP bridging programs for interested regions and practitioners. I'm hopeful that this possibility might become a reality in the new year.
The rural PCP bridging program was accredited by the CMA as a partnership between the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. It recognized four regional delivery sites...Brandon, Interlake, South Eastman and Parkland. As such, it may be feasible that an agreement could be reached between interested regional health authorities and WFPS to deliver a rural bridging program for practitioners interested in pursuing a CMA accredited program. At the very least, the accreditation certainly allows WFPS to continue delivering this education in Winnipeg until the CMA expiry date in 2009.
I had some very preliminary discussions with WFPS around this concept yesterday. PAM will continue to pursue the possibility of working with various RHAs and WFPS to see if an agreement can be reached to deliver rural PCP bridging programs for interested regions and practitioners. I'm hopeful that this possibility might become a reality in the new year.
Farewell to Chief Shoemaker
On behalf of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba, Jodi and I attended the farewell reception for WFPS Chief Wes Shoemaker and his wife Lori. The event was held last evening at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg. A handful of Winnipeg City councillors were in attendance, as were many other civic and government officials. Mayor Sam Katz made a very brief appearance. Representatives from all three WFPS employee unions (PPAW, UFFW and WFPSOA) were also present to bid Wes and Lori farewell.
As you probably have already heard, Wes has accepted an Associate Deputy Minister's position with the B.C. Government, and begins work in Victoria early next week. The City has named Jim Brennan as the interim WFPS Chief, and is expected to begin looking for a full time replacement early in the new year.
As you probably have already heard, Wes has accepted an Associate Deputy Minister's position with the B.C. Government, and begins work in Victoria early next week. The City has named Jim Brennan as the interim WFPS Chief, and is expected to begin looking for a full time replacement early in the new year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)