Last year, more than 155,000 Nova Scotians received emergency care from one of the province’s highly skilled and dedicated team of paramedics.

Today, Sept. 28, is the third annual Medic Monday in Nova Scotia, a day to recognize and honour over 1,100 paramedics across the province.

“Paramedics play an invaluable role in the health-care system. Anyone who has called 911 for a loved one or needed emergency care themselves knows how important our paramedics are,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “It takes tremendous skill and commitment to be a paramedic and their responsibility in caring for Nova Scotians continues to add value for all of us. We’re very lucky to have them.”

In addition to responding to emergencies, paramedics now provide in-home support for palliative care patients. They also provide care to seniors in nursing homes through the Extended Care Paramedic program, and work in Collaborative Emergency Centres, emergency departments and the Emergency Health Services Medical Communications Centre.

“I am proud to be a paramedic,” said Darcy Delorey, an advanced care paramedic in Antigonish. “We are highly trained and work with other health-care professionals to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.”

Since 2013, the province recognizes the last Monday in September as a day to honour paramedics.

For information on becoming a paramedic, visit http://novascotia.ca/dhw/ehs/becoming-a-paramedic.asp .

Source: Release