Inaugural Ceremony for Paramedic Long Service Awards
Almost 100 Nova Scotia paramedics were presented with long service awards by Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, today, May 20, at a ceremony in Halifax.
The Paramedic Long Service Award is based on years of service to Nova Scotia by paramedics and others who provide emergency health services. The award is based on five-year increments of service of 20 years and more.
"EHS paramedics are highly qualified people with life-saving skills," said Ms. MacDonald. "They play a critical role in providing better health care to families in every region. It is important we take the time to recognize and thank these men and women for their hard work and dedication, and for the contribution they make to our health and public safety."
Paramedics with 20 years of service receive a medal for their dress uniform. For each additional five-year increment, paramedics receive a service bar pinned on the medal.
Over the past 20 years, the paramedic profession has gone through a significant evolution, from simply transporting patients, to providing basic and advanced life support using state-of-the-art equipment. Paramedics can now diagnose heart attacks, administer clot-busting drugs for faster treatment, and use e-PCR systems for patient record management.
Paramedics are increasingly providing primary care in many communities, in partnership with health-care professionals such as family physicians and nurse practitioners. This care includes immunizations, assessment and care of patients after discharge and wellness checks.
Emergency Health Services is a division of the Department of Health. It is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of pre-hospital emergency health services in the province. In November 2004, the province's ground ambulance system became the first Canadian ambulance service accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. It recognizes Nova Scotia's ground ambulance system as one of the best in North America.