Covid-19 has been linked to increased instances of flu-like symptoms, leading to an increase in calls about people feeling ill. As a result, there are more paramedics on the road responding to more requests for their services.
Canada is home to one of the largest paramedic populations in the world, however, recent data collected by BizTalk analysts suggest that Ontario is facing a shortage of paramedics due to the demand for their services spiking this year.
Why Paramedics Are In Demand In Ontario?
Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of ambulance calls throughout Ontario. Many EMS teams currently are not staffed at 100% capacity due to many factors including lack of training opportunities, and excessive overtime hours.
The spike in demand for paramedics has left many EMS teams understaffed and is causing some concern. With the rise of flu season, it will be even more important for paramedics to be available to deal with any issues should they arise.
As the population ages and the number of people with chronic illnesses increase, paramedics will continue to play a key role in providing necessary care.
What is the Scope of Paramedic Profession in Ontario?
Paramedics are becoming more and more prominent in Ontario. This is because there are not enough primary care providers to take care of the population, so paramedics are being used to help support this service.
On the other hand, hospital centres are increasingly promoting cheaper means of transportation than ambulances for carrying patients between institutions, such as taxis, family members, paratransit services, etc.
Despite these measures to reduce the need for workers in this occupation, employment growth is expected to be higher than the average for all occupations until 2028.
Paramedical occupations, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to be over 8,300 according to Job Bank Canada.
However, as this population grows older, the need for paramedics will also grow even further – consequently creating a shortage that requires innovation and collaboration from all stakeholders.
What Services Paramedics Provide in Ontario?
Ontario, Canada has been a leader in the development of Emergency Medical Services. The Ontario Provincial Parliament passed legislation in 2007 that formally recognized Emergency Medical Technicians as frontline responders and gave them the authority to provide a range of services anywhere in the province.
- Paramedics have many tasks that they can perform, which includes:
- Driving and staffing ambulances and other emergency vehicles
- Responding to emergency 911 calls
- Assessing patients, providing emergency treatment and making diagnoses
- Monitoring and administering medication, pain relief and intravenous infusions
- Dressing wounds/injuries
- Using specialist equipment including ventilators and defibrillators
- Transporting patients to hospital and continuing to provide treatment while in transit
- Providing hospital staff with patient information including condition and treatment
- Helping provide patient care in hospitals and other medical facilities
- Communicating effectively with patients and their relatives/friends
- Teaching and training members of the public to use first aid techniques correctly
How Much Do Paramedics Make In Ontario?
The average paramedic salary in Canada is $59,506 per year or $30.52 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $48,750 per year, while most experienced workers make an average of $81,669 per year, throughout Canada.
Although the average salary for a Paramedic in Ontario is C$90,000 according to Payscale Canada.
How to Become a Paramedic in Ontario?
To become a Primary Care Paramedic in Ontario, one should attend a recognized two-year program or can opt for a fast-track paramedic training program and have to clear Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (A-EMCA) certification exam.
Unlike many community colleges, BizTech College is approved 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 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. Contact us