***** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Paramedics Recognized on Ninth Annual Medic Monday
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Today, Sept. 27, is the ninth annual Medic Monday in Nova Scotia. It is a day to celebrate the 1,200 dedicated paramedics who provide highly skilled care to Nova Scotians every day.
“For many Nova Scotians who have experienced an emergency health situation, paramedics represent comfort and hope,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We are incredibly lucky to have such highly skilled and dedicated paramedicine professionals.”
Paramedics respond to emergencies, provide in-home support for palliative care patients and provide care to seniors in nursing homes. They also work in Collaborative Emergency Centres, emergency departments and the Emergency Health Services (EHS) Medical Communications Centre.
Quotes:
“I am proud to have been able to work in a career that I love for more than 30 years, alongside colleagues who help care for Nova Scotians when they need it the most. Paramedics continue to provide professional and compassionate care to all residents and visitors to our province, despite this being one of the most challenging times we’ve ever experienced.”
– Jeff Bezanson, Amherst paramedic
Quick Facts:
— EHS paramedics respond to approximately 175,000 calls every year for emergencies and patient transfers
— paramedics in Halifax participate in the Extended Care Paramedic Program, which allows nursing home residents to be treated in their home rather than an emergency department
— through a program called VISIT in the Annapolis Valley, paramedics check in on seniors identified by local doctors
— the Community-Based Paramedic Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality offers support to patients after being released from hospital
Additional Resources:
For information on becoming a paramedic, visit: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ehs/becoming-a-paramedic.asp
