NOTE: A list of recipients follows this release.
Fifty-two paramedics with between 20 and 40 years of experience caring for Nova Scotians were recognized for their service today, May 26, by Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

“We have always relied on our highly trained paramedics to provide expert care in emergencies,”said Mr.

Glavine. “More and more, they’re also taking an expanded role in our communities, working in teams to improve and expand the care available across the province.

“These paramedics have seen many changes in their twenty-plus years of practice, and Nova Scotians are grateful for their expertise.”

Paramedics and others who have provided emergency health services to Nova Scotians for 20 years or more are eligible for the Paramedic Long Service Award.

In recent years, paramedics have taken on an expanded role in the health-care system. They now provide primary care in some communities, working alongside family physicians and nurses. In the Halifax area, paramedics work in nursing homes to provide care to residents through the Extended Care Paramedic program.

There are more than 800 Emergency Health Services paramedics working in Nova Scotia.

Source: Release