by Harpreet | Aug 6, 2021 | Paramedic
In this blog, we will discuss the increasing demand in healthcare and how paramedic jobs are rapidly growing after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Just like any other profession, adequate preparation is imperative. Towards the end of your paramedic program, you will likely have the opportunity to complete a clinical placement, before finishing your training.
Apart from acquiring the essential technical and interpersonal skills, students need to make the most of clinical placement drives and land a good job. You’ve worked hard to graduate from an EMT or paramedic school in Canada and have been invited to interview for the job of your dreams. Here are six ways to ensure you’ll impress your potential Canadian employer and leave the interview with a smile on your face and, hopefully, with a job offer in hand.
Here is how you can land your first job as a paramedic:
1) Background Research
Whether applying for a job with a fire department or a private ambulance service, study up on the agency to know such things as its history, management team, the target hazards, e.g. highways, railroad tracks, river in their response zone, receiving hospitals, the call volume and types of calls and in what areas the agency hopes to grow in the future. You can easily obtain this information from the annual report that most reputed agencies publish, which is often available on their website.
During your interview, try to fuse this information in your answers where it is appropriate and you will impress your potential employers with the depth of your preparedness and with your interest in them.
You can also schedule a few ride-along or station visits before your interview to meet the crew and get their perspective.
2) Make an Impression
Equally as valuable as doing your research work, making a good impression as a budding paramedic is what will set you apart from the crowd. Show your interviewer that you’re excited to be there and eager to learn.
Your willingness to help and go the extra mile will show an employer you’re dedicated and hardworking. Never underestimate the power of a smile, paired with the right attitude. The personal impressions you make through this type of involvement are lasting.
3) Self and Body Confidence
Your interviewers must be able to envision you in the role to hire you. Therefore, walk into the interview room and demonstrate the same kind of confidence that you would display on a 911 call. Look everyone in the eye and address each one with a firm handshake. Regarding dress, wear a suit and tie for the interview, but also don’t be afraid to dress the same way you would on an ambulance for a skills test.
4) Be prepared for common questions
Our experts have noticed that many interviewers ask the same basic questions when interviewing prospective paramedics. You’re often asked to start with a quick two-minute introduction about yourself and what goals you have for the future. Following this, be prepared to answer such questions as:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What have you done to prepare?
- Why are you the best candidate?
- What is your greatest strength? One of your weaknesses?
- Describe a time when you handled a difficult situation?
Be prepared with your answers with real examples from your life to show your words in action. Remember to relate each answer to the specific agency and paramedic job for which you’re applying. Try to choose some stories that show other aspects of your life outside of fire and EMS, such as community service involvement, your family or being a member of a team.
Many employers especially value past work experiences which involved manual labour, challenging or austere work conditions or being part of a family business. If you grew up on a farm, led wilderness expeditions, worked in a restaurant kitchen or as a construction labourer make sure to relate the lessons you learned from those physically demanding jobs. If you are a military veteran, make sure to relate those experiences to the job.
When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to pipe up. Find out what the agency’s hiring timeline is. How many people do they expect to hire? What type of person would their ideal candidate be?
When they tell you specifically what they’re looking for, succinctly restate and remind them of your strengths that address their needs and how you’d be the perfect candidate for the job. The key is to present yourself as a confident and knowledgeable candidate who would be a wonderful addition to their team.
After the interview, send an email to the hiring manager and to everyone with whom you met on the interview board to thank them for their time and consideration. Close the email by restating your interest in the job and your qualifications. If you really want to set yourself apart from the competition, send a handwritten note to each member of the interview committee.
by Harpreet | Jul 12, 2021 | Paramedic
Being a medical professional like a paramedic officer and EMT in 2021 has been more challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The challenges and stress levels have raised exponentially for medical professionals in Canada and around the globe. Most likely every professional in the emergency services sector loves their job as they are in this profession to help and aid people but the job comes with baggage.
It’s rewarding to help people maintain their health. However, it’s not always easy. Depending on your role, you are likely to experience a certain level of stress. Paramedics and EMT workers often see critical cases where people either lose their lives or are close to them.
It is considered equally rewarding when your patients make it through to the other side and survive but on the other end, it is extremely heartbreaking when they die. To avoid burnout due to extreme stress and pain felt by the Paramedics and EMTs in the medical field, there are several ways to cope with it.
What Are Ways To Avoid Stress as a Paramedic?
Here are some methods Paramedics or EMTs can use to deal with their stress levels as someone working as a medical professional :
Keep Time For Yourself
The emergency services sector as a career can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Whether you’re a home health aid, doctor, EMT or paramedic, you’re working with people who need and depend on you. The patients might also look to the medical professional for a level of emotional support and connection. They expect you to help them maintain their health, but part of staying well is maintaining emotional wellness.
This goes hand in hand for your patient and you as well. One thing you can do to make sure you stay well and mentally healthy is scheduling time for self-care. That means focusing on yourself and your needs when you are not working. Doing things that you enjoy and make you feel happy as your downtime is extremely crucial for your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to get outside and be active. These are activities that help you stay grounded and better able to do your job well.
Keeping Your Professional And Private Life Separate
It’s easier said than done to keep your professional and private life separate as it’s a common human tendency of talking about your job with friends and loved ones. It’s not going to make you feel better if you keep doing that as you might obsess and stress yourself out about situations that you can’t control. You’re not at work, so you can’t do anything to help clients.
Furthermore, you need to have boundaries about work. It’s great that you’re proud of what you do. That means you’re in the right line of work. However, you need to have space from your role, so you can enjoy yourself. You don’t need to be talking about your work as a paramedic when you’re on a date or at a family gathering for the entire time. You’re a person outside the healthcare world. When you’re not on the job-saving lives, focus on other things you enjoy and talk about those with friends, family, and loved ones.
Therapy is The Right Solution
A safe place you can talk about working in the healthcare profession is with a licensed therapist. Instead of talking about your work stressors when you’re out for coffee with a new love interest, save those for a therapy session. This should be a natural space where you can easily vent about your issues.
Therapy is a safe and comfortable environment where you can prioritize your mental health. A mental health professional wants to help you learn ways to confront and cope with your feelings.
It’s not easy working in a field where you’re helping people out of scary situations. You need to prioritize your mental health, and going to therapy is one way to do that.
Taking care of yourself
Paramedics and EMTs should at any cost avoid consuming drugs and alcohol as they can add to the stress. Eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
At Paramedic Academy, our instructors are active paramedics and bring years of on-job experience. Our paramedic training is designed to ensure students are prepared for on-job challenges. In our 60 weeks program, special focus is given to psychology and healthy communication, which enable students to handle stress during training and on-the-job.
by Harpreet | Jun 28, 2021 | Paramedic
The next big thing in paramedic training in Canada and the world will be learning through VR or virtual reality as the next step in simulation training.
Paramedics in Canada are expected to see continued job growth after the Covid-19 pandemic, primarily as more and more people are assigned to non-traditional positions, working outside of ambulances in designated locations such as hospital emergency rooms.
EMS services in Ontario include Ottawa Paramedic Service, Region of Waterloo EMS, Toronto Paramedic Services and York Region EMS. Apart from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon are highly trained paramedics.
Paramedic Training fused with VR
Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a powerful tool in medical training and has potential benefits for paramedic education. It is now implemented to train and prepare the next generation of paramedics to respond to attacks and natural disasters in some universities.
The technique of simulation makes it possible to experience a situation in advance with the help of an instructor. A wide range of models has long been used in paramedic practice and emergency care simulation, including animals, plastic models, modified commercial mannequins, paid or unpaid volunteers, patients recently pronounced dead and cadavers.
University researchers have worked with a renowned VR production company to create a fully immersive 360 virtual reality environment that simulates mass casualty events.
The researchers are examining how the VR experience compares to traditional methods of mass casualty training, which use actors with Hollywood style make-up to simulate wounded patients.
Due to the coerced nature of their occupation, paramedics often operate as a scattered workforce with limited opportunities and time to practice skills, this upcoming technology described herein focuses on maintenance of rarely performed and difficult skills following initial training.
Skills development and maintenance for many paramedic emergency procedures are challenging because opportunities to learn and practice are limited. Such procedures may be required in rare and life-threatening situations, and need to be delivered promptly and under stressful conditions. Paramedic practice and emergency care have relied on simulation, which provides an opportunity for learners to practice clinical skills in a low-stakes setting before they perform on real patients.
What is the eligibility criteria for Paramedic Training in Canada?
Paramedic in Canada gets accredited as either as a primary care paramedic (PCP), critical care paramedic (CCP), or the advanced care paramedic (ACP).
- The applicant has to complete a training course that may vary in various provinces to become a paramedic.
- To qualify for admission to a training program, the student must be a high school diploma holder with a minimum C average in English, mathematics and biology. Have first aid certification (CPR) and holds a class “F” driver’s license.
- Before beginning the paramedic training, the student must have all immunizations and police background check with a clean history.
Which is the best Paramedic Training College in Mississauga?
Apart from other community colleges, BizTech College is one of the approved colleges for 60 weeks fast track Primary Care Diploma by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Apart from a shorter duration, the college offers a unique combination of classroom, lab training, simulations and ambulance ride-outs, which will help you, gain a solid foundation and versatile skill-set required on the job.
With an exceptional record in AEMCA, our graduates are currently working in various ambulance services in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.
Get in touch with us for detailed information and a personal interview.
by Harpreet | Feb 2, 2021 | Paramedic
Paramedic terminology can be complicated and may differ from what you may expect in regular medical training. Paramedics are highly trained professionals who perform lifesaving procedures in extreme situations.
A call to 911 ambulance is not something you would want to be part of your day, but there is some paramedic terminology you might want to know if it happens.
10 paramedic terminology phrases everyone should know:
Anaphylactic Shock
This phrase referred to the collapse of the circulatory system function and decreased blood pressure from an allergic reaction. Caused by an allergic reaction to medications, bee stings, other insect bites and certain foods, it can be a life-threatening condition that can result in death if not treated immediately. What can you do in case of anaphylactic shock?
Atrial Tachycardia
Not a life-threatening situation, it refers to the uncontrolled rapid heartbeat in the atria of the heart. If left unattended, it can cause blood clots which can cause a stroke.
Triage
This paramedic terminology indicates the medical response according to the urgency of the patient’s condition or illness. It also refers to deciding the order of treatment for a large number of casualties and patients.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Commonly known as CPR, a lifesaving procedure used when the patient has stopped breathing or heart has stopped beating. It combines hand pressure on the chest for blood circulation and breathing into the patient’s mouth to introduce air into the lungs. It is one of the procedures that anyone can learn and can come in handy in emergency situations.
Cardiac Arrest
Also known as heart attack, cardiac arrest refers to the sudden cessation of the heart function – temporary or permanent. Paramedics use an Automatic External Defibrillator as soon as possible.
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Paramedic terminology for advanced level emergency care, the procedure involves responders administer invasive lifesaving procedures such as intravenous (IV) infusions, tracheal intubation, electrocardiogram interpretation and medication administration.
Supra- Ventricular Tachycardia
It denotes a life-threatening condition to synchronized rapid contraction of heart ventricles, causing decreased cardiac function and if left untreated or corrected can cause death.
Collapsed Lung
A collapsed lung can be caused by trauma to chest cavity (fractured rib, trauma from a knife, bullet or another sharp object), smoking, drug abuse and certain lung diseases.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
A fast, abnormal heart rate in the heart’s ventricular section, this condition reduces cardiac function in the heart’s lower chambers. Potentially life-threatening if it progresses to V-fib.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib or VF)
It refers to abnormal heart rhythm with no cardiac output. An electric defibrillator gives an electric shock to correct this condition, allowing the heart to return to a normal rhythm. It can be a life-threatening situation if not repaired immediately.
Want to know what it is like to be a primary care paramedic? Talk to our subject matter experts at 905 212 9039 or visit www.paramedicacademy.biz.
by Harpreet | Jan 25, 2021 | Paramedic
Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) is the specialized and highest level of paramedics. These paramedics serve to set up and sustain the tertiary and intensive care level treatment for the patients while transporting to the right medical facility by air, ground, and sea.
What is Critical Care?
Critical care is about a deeper understanding of the patient and the treatment required. It is not only about the treatment but the rules that go along with critical care. An acute injury impairs one or more vital organs, causing a high probability of life-threat to the patient. Some of the most common threats that meet the critical care criteria are:
- Circulatory failure,
- Renal, hepatic, metabolic and respiratory failure
- Central nervous system failure, and
- Shock
With more excellent diagnostic capability, CCPs can provide the right treatment to critical patients. With advancements in technology, research modalities, and an increase in tertiary level centers, more and more patients are being treated effectively.
Critical Care Paramedic Training
Critical Care Paramedic is selected from the pool of accomplished Advanced Care Paramedics. Tested utilizing the MMI model, CCPs receive an additional two years of intense training before licensed to a Critical Care Paramedic level, and are eligible for 6–9-month residency.
This training includes didactic, clinical, work under the supervision of a physician to ensure that practitioner is competent and can function independently at the highest level and multiple evaluations leading to certification.
In addition to the skills that Advance Care Paramedics perform, the Critical Care Paramedic practice includes:
- Transvenous pacing
- Management of PA Lines
- Art Line Monitoring
- CVP monitoring
- Administration of blood and blood products
- An extensive pharmacology scopes
- UVC Line insertion
- Foley catheter insertion
- NG tube insertion
- CT-head scan interpretation
- Chest X-ray interpretation
- Multiple Difficult Airway manoeuvres
- Mechanical Ventilation, multiple modes
- Chest Tube management
- Blakemore Tube management
- Lab value and blood gas analysis
- Various medications with physician’s orders
Functioning as a mobile Intensive Care Unit (ICU), CCPs respond to the needs of various hospital units that require the transport of highly critical patients. A Critical Care Paramedic can assess, initiate care, resuscitate, and continue the care in virtually any clinical condition.
Why Become a Critical Care Paramedic?
Becoming a paramedic is more than a dream job, it is a calling to help others and motivate a better life and rewarding career.
The first step on your road to becoming a CCP is to get started as a Primary Care Paramedic. After you have gained skills and on-the-job experience; you will have the opportunity to move to advanced care paramedicine. Paving your way to reaching the highest level of paramedicine – Critical Care Paramedic.
Here are three reasons why you should:
- Greater Care to Critical Patients: Recognition and proper care of critically ill patients significantly affect the outcome. CCPs need to be familiar with complex procedures responsible for managing patients for inter-facility transportation. Patients in critical condition are dependent on specialized supportive and diagnostic equipment for initiating or maintaining mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, central/arterial lines, intra-aortic balloon pump or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
- Advance Clinical Knowledge: Emergency services scope is moving quickly and evolving with technological and medical advances. A critical care course will acquaint the participants in-depth with principles and incorporate advanced assessment skills and more sophisticated diagnostic abilities.
- More Career Opportunities: Many provinces recognize the need for critical care level providers and education required for the job. This change is adding to the scope of practice and open doors for varied employment opportunities.
Critical Care Paramedic Salary in Ontario
The national average salary for Critical Care Paramedic is $124,982 in Ontario as reported by Ornge at Glassdoor. However, experienced professionals’ wages depend on which province they are operating in and years of experience in the field.
Paramedic Academy of BizTech College, Mississauga Ontario
Approved by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, our 60-week Primary Care Paramedic diploma program is dynamic and career-focused. Practical learning under the supervision of active paramedics and industry certified professionals, give students access to knowledge and expertise required on-the-job.
by Harpreet | Jan 7, 2021 | Paramedic
Paramedic in Canada are expected to see continued job growth, primarily as more and more assigned to non-traditional positions, working outside of ambulances in designated locations such as hospital emergency rooms.
EMS services in Ontario include Ottawa Paramedic Service, Region of Waterloo EMS, Toronto Paramedic Services and York Region EMS. Apart from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon are highly trained paramedics.
Paramedic Training in Canada
Paramedic in Canada get accredited as either as a primary care paramedic (PCP), critical care paramedic (CCP), or the advanced care paramedic (ACP). The applicant has to successfully complete a training course that may vary in various provinces to become a paramedic.
To qualify for admission to a training program, the student must be a high school diploma holder with a minimum C average in English, mathematics and biology. Have first aid certification (CPR) and holds a class “F” driver’s license.
Before beginning the paramedic training, the student must have all immunizations and police background check with a clean history.
Graduates from approved programs are eligible to take the Provincial Registration Examination to apply for registration.
- The Alberta College of Paramedics is the regulatory body for paramedics in Alberta. Provincial Exam- The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) examination.
- Paramedics in Ontario are regulated under the Ambulance Act (1990) and Regulations and accountable to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Provincial Exam- Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) Examination.
- Paramedics in British Columbia are considered Emergency medical Assistants (EMAs) and regulated under the BC Health Professions Act. Provincial Exam – Emergency Medical Assistant Licensing Board (EMALB)
- Paramedicine is now a self-regulated profession in Nova Scotia. Provincial Exam- The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) examination.
Levels of Paramedic in Canada
Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
An entry-level of the profession, the PCP is responsible for delivering basic medical treatment, IV and oxygen administration, cardiac monitoring, external defibrillation, administering medications for emergency situations, as well as trauma immobilization.
With additional training, PCPs are authorized to provide medical care on the level of Advanced Care Paramedic.
In Ontario, students can sign up for the A-EMCA after completing the approved college program. Students will have three attempts to pass the provincial exam. In case, the student fails all three times, he or she has to complete remedial training before the next attempt.
Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)
Provinces such as New Brunswick and Quebec don’t have ACPs. However, the demand for advance care paramedics is rapidly increasing. ACPs are eligible to bring 20 different drugs, but that can vary considerably from region to region.
They are qualified to perform intubation, intravenous therapy, place external jugular IV lines, administer pain relief, perform needle thoracotomy and perform an obstetrical assessment. ACPs direct access to PCO labs, bypassing the hospital emergency departments has a profound effect on patient survival rates.
To become an Advanced Care Paramedic, the PCP must work between 6-24 months. The applicant needs to complete the 1200-hour training program and pass the required exams and certifications required per provincial requirements.
Critical Care Paramedic (CCP)
CCPs are highly trained individuals with expertise focused on the critical and intensive care unit level care. Stabilizing and transporting patients in hospitals with limited resources with life-saving care is otherwise administered by a physician.
The CCP program takes a year to complete and ACPs with at least one year of experience with certification in necessary trauma life support, advanced cardiac life support, and an aeromedical certificate.
In certain provinces, paramedics are also trained as firefighters or police officers and were given Public Safety Occupation status.
Paramedic Salary in Canada
For paramedic in Canada, salaries depend on their level of experience and the province they operate in.
Paramedic Salary in Ontario
Toronto EMS is the largest paramedic employer in Canada. For primary care paramedics working in the Toronto Region, the average salary is $41.70/hour. Advanced care paramedics and critical care paramedics make an average salary of $118,000/per year and $125,000/per year, respectively.
Paramedic Salary in Alberta
Primary care paramedic operating in the Calgary region, Alberta earns an average wage of $70,000/per year.
Paramedic Salary in British Columbia
The median wage for primary care paramedic in Vancouver Island and Coast region is $30/hour.
Paramedic Academy of BizTech College, Mississauga
Unlike many community colleges, BizTech College is approved for 60 weeks fast track Primary Care Diploma by Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Apart from shorter duration, the college offers a unique combination of classroom, lab training and ambulance ride-outs, which will help you gain a solid foundation and versatile skill-set required on-the-job. With an exceptional record in AEMCA, our graduates are currently working in various ambulance services in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.
Get in touch with us for detailed information and personal interview. Contact us
