Choosing to become a primary care paramedics is a strong career choice. Paramedics are in demand, and the need for frontline healthcare workers will be on the rise in Ontario.
A paramedic helps people every single day, and it is, in fact, a rewarding career. Primary Care Paramedics can branch out as firefighter, police medic, military medic, offshore medic and crew management.
Some of the reasons for switching careers may include:
- Regular Hours – Paramedics work long shifts; they may work 24 hours at a time. That schedule can work for some; however, some may crave for a traditional 9-5 job.
- A Bigger Paycheck – Paramedics earn a good salary, with average salaries ranging from C$22/hr to C$60/hr. But a change in personal life such as starting a family can motivate to seek higher compensation.
- Stress – Paramedics work in a stressful environment. They may experience burnout for numerous reasons and reach a point that a drastic change is required.
- Safety – All healthcare jobs come with some level of risk, especially for personnel working on the frontlines. However, the unpredictability and uncertain conditions can take a physical and emotional toll on seasoned paramedics.
Career Advancement Opportunities for Primary Care Paramedics
- Advanced Care Paramedics – With additional training, Primary Care Paramedic can gain advanced knowledge and skills to work as a leader in emergency situations. Advance Care Paramedic (ACP) can administer advanced medical treatment with ambulance services.
Part of the Special Operations Division, PCPs can have additional training to work in specialized environments with allied partners.
- Paramedic Tactical Unit (PTU) – The primary mission of this unit is to provide emergency medical in the field to police or citizens. They work in high-risk situations such as active shooters incidents, hostage situations, high-risk search warrants and more. Primary Care Paramedics have to pass a stringent intake process.
- Paramedic Marine Unit (PMU): They support citizens and police officers in the marine environment. The three mandates include dive operations, river patrol and water rescue operations.
- Paramedic Response Unit (PRU): Within the regular operations branch, PRU provide rapid response to code 4 life-threatening emergency calls. They can also be deployed for providing lift assists or general assistance on high acuity calls.
- Paramedic Support Unit (PSU): The PSU provides specialized medical coverage in Search and Rescue, Public Order and Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and explosive. They go through rigorous physical and mental training.
- Flight Paramedic: One of the most exciting profiles, they work in aeromedical emergencies, transports and evacuation. They are responsible for recovering or stabilizing the patient while in transport to a medical facility.
- Community Paramedics: A certified paramedic specializes in assisting people in managing social and health problems. They visit patients at home and check vitals, review medications and assess the living conditions for any hazards.
Career Opportunities for Primary Care Paramedics in Related Fields
Paramedics learn the skills for life. The training you have can help you change your career in a related field or work in the same domain but in a different setting. Some of the exciting careers include:
- Emergency Room Technician (ER Tech): Similar to an emergency medical technician, they offer the first line of medical care after an illness or injury. They work in hospitals or clinic emergency rooms.
- Physician’s Assistant (PA): Due to prior experience, paramedics make a prime candidate to apply for physician’s assistant courses. PAs work alongside doctors, surgeons and nurses as a part of the medical team.
- Contract Medic: Plenty of private companies recruit their own medical response team. First responders are needed in many businesses such as event management companies, amusement parks, cruises, movie sets, concerts and festivals. Many of these jobs are contractual.
- Offshore Medic: Oil rigs personnel work in a high-risk environment. They are usually hours away from land and run a considerable risk of injury. A medic onboard provides the emergency treatment. Offshore medics work on the rig in 12-hour shifts.
- Industrial Medic: Many industrial companies such as car manufacturers, construction companies need first responders on site. They perform the same duties as an emergency medical responder.
Apart from the careers mentioned above, Primary Care Paramedics can work in any healthcare-related field with additional training.
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