**** NS GOVERNMENT Media Release
Paramedics Recognized During Medic Monday
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Every day, paramedics work on the front lines of our health care system providing care and comfort to Nova Scotians.
On Medic Monday, we want to recognize and thank the many highly skilled and dedicated paramedics for their service.
“Paramedics are one of the most collaborative health professionals and paramedicine has always been at the forefront of innovation. Across the country and certainly in Nova Scotia, the paramedic profession continues to evolve,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “Today, I’m proud to honour paramedics for the outstanding work they do to care for Nova Scotians during their times of need.”
Last year, Nova Scotia’s more than 1,200 paramedics responded to more than 180,000 calls.
Paramedics are involved in a wide range of health care activities, from responding to emergencies, providing in-home support for palliative care patients and providing care to seniors in nursing homes through the Extended Care Paramedic Program.
Quotes:
“There is no higher honour than to be given the responsibility to care for another human being. I’m honoured to be given this opportunity working in Nova Scotia’s ever-expanding high-performance system.”
– Dana Baker, paramedic in Yarmouth
“It’s a privilege and an honour to be working as a paramedic and helping Nova Scotians. What Medic Monday means to me is recognition for the work we do 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Today we celebrate achievement and evolution in our system.”
– Marie-Josée Losier, paramedic in Yarmouth
Quick Facts:
–paramedics are involved in a number of initiatives including:
–the Extended Care Paramedic Program in Halifax that allows seniors to be treated in their home rather than an emergency department;
–a check in program called VISIT in the Annapolis Valley which allows paramedics to check in on some seniors identified by local doctors;
–a new Community-Based Paramedic Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality that supports patients after being released from hospital
–this year, 84 individuals were recognized at the annual EHS long service awards ceremony
Additional Resources:
Emergency Health Services Employees Honoured for Decades of Service: https://novascotia.ca/news/rel
Becoming a Paramedic: http://novascotia.ca/dhw/ehs/b
