NOTE: A list of recipients follows this release.
Fifty paramedics, each with 20 or more years of experience, received long-service awards today, May 27, from Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

Combined, these Emergency Health Services paramedics have 1,282 years of experience caring for Nova Scotians.

“When Nova Scotians are hurt, when we’re scared and we need help right away, we are fortunate to have highly trained, experienced paramedics ready to answer the call,” said Mr. Glavine.

“Today, paramedics are playing a greatly expanded role in our health-care system, and their talents and expertise are helping to improve the quality of health care in their communities.”

Paramedics 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.

They also help provide 24-hour access to emergency care in Collaborative Emergency Centres across the province.

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

Source: Release