What is a Paramedic?

A paramedic provides out of hospital care to ill and injured people. Paramedics work in ambulances, are governed under the Ambulance Act, and are certified by a physician to perform at least one delegated controlled act. Controlled acts include defibrillation, medication administration, and endo-tracheal intubation. There are three levels of paramedics in the province of Ontario: primary care, advanced care, and critical care. In northwestern Ontario, primary and advanced care paramedics work on land ambulances, and critical care paramedics work on air ambulances.

Superior North EMS employs primary care paramedics throughout the District of Thunder Bay advanced care paramedics in Thunder Bay and Armstrong. A primary care paramedic must complete a two year college diploma program prior to gaining employment. An advanced care paramedic must complete an additional year of education and training to work at the advanced level.

All paramedics are qualified to perform:

Patient assessment

Immobilization & traction

Oxygen administration via various methods

Basic airway management

Trauma care, including basic wound care

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

Controlled Medical Acts

Primary Care Paramedic

Advanced Care Paramedic

Administration of:
Glucagon
Nitroglycerin
Epinephrine
Salbutamol
ASA


Semi-automated external cardiac defibrillation

Administration of:
Glucagon
Nitroglycerin
Epinephrine
Salbutamol
ASA
Other cardiac and narcotic medications (furosemide, morphine, narcan, etc)
Non-automated external cardiac defibrillation and monitoring
Peripheral intravenous therapy
Endotracheal intubation