Investment to Improve Safety of Paramedics

Communication and safety for paramedic teams across Nova Scotia will be improved as a result of a $1.1 million investment from the province.

Emergency Health Service's will have 140 ground ambulances that will be equipped with a second two-way portable radio. The funding will also allow for the replacement of the fleet's existing analog radios with the new XTS 2500 digital models over the next few months.

"Our paramedics play a critical role in this province's health system," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "This investment will ensure that each member of the paramedic team has the most appropriate equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively."

Paramedics work in teams of two, so the additional radio will allow paramedics in the field to communicate with each other if they are separated, and will allow each member of the team to communicate with the medical communications centre.

"We are extremely pleased that government is recognizing that an investment in communications equipment for ambulances will benefit paramedics and their patients," said Deb MacKay, director of EHS communications/dispatch.

The placement of additional portable radios in ambulances also fulfills accreditation standards for ground ambulance operations. In November 2004, the province's ground ambulance system became the first Canadian ambulance service to become accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. It recognizes Nova Scotia's ground ambulance system as the best in Canada and one of the best in North America.