New Paramedic Program for Northern Manitoba

Laura ManningNews

THE PAS, MB.—The Manitoba Government has announced a new emergency medical services program to benefit Northern and rural Northern and rural communities. Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart unveiled the Primary Care Paramedic Certificate program at University College of the North (UCN).

“We are committed to improving emergency services to ensure Manitobans are able to access the vital and often lifesaving services of paramedics when and where they are most needed,” said Wishart. “That starts with better access to training and this new program will establish a permanent base for paramedic education in the north.”

The new 16-seat Primary Care Paramedic certificate program will provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and practical work placement training to prepare them to be employed as primary care paramedics. Students will graduate with the skills to:

  • recognize the nature and extent of patient condition/injury to assess requirements for emergency medical care;
  • administer appropriate emergency care;
  • safely secure and transport patients;
  • provide therapeutic interventions; and
  • identify individuals that may benefit from additional resources in the community and liaise with health-care and social service agencies to make resources available and improve health outcomes.

    • “University College of the North is delighted to be able to provide training for this critical health care profession,” said Doug Lauvstad, president and vice-chancellor. “This program helps to ensure we are meeting our mandate to respond to labour market demands in the northern communities we serve.”

    The Northern Regional Health Authority has seen demand for primary care paramedics increase in recent years.

    “Having primary care paramedics trained in the north will benefit us as a region while creating educational opportunities for residents close to home,” said Helga Bryant, CEO, Northern Regional Health Authority. “We thank the Manitoba government for this tremendous resource for northern Manitoba.”

    The minister said the announcement supports the Manitoba government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the 2013 Provincial EMS Review by increasing the number of paramedics in rural and northern regions and training health-care professionals through public post-secondary programs.

    The new program is expected to begin accepting applications in September 2018.

    With Files from the Government of Manitoba

    File Photo