**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Paramedics Recognized During Medic Monday
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Every day paramedics work on the front lines of the provincial health-care system, providing care and comfort to Nova Scotians.
On this eighth annual Medic Monday, the province wants to recognize and thank the many highly skilled and dedicated paramedics for their service.
“When Nova Scotians need urgent medical care, paramedics are there to help,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “They are highly trained and experienced to respond in emergencies and save lives. Many also work on collaborative health-care teams in communities across the province. We are all grateful for their dedication and expertise.”
Last year more than 1,200 paramedics responded to over 180,000 calls across Nova Scotia.
Paramedics are involved in a wide range of health-care activities, from responding to emergencies, to providing in-home support for palliative care patients, to providing care to seniors in nursing homes through initiatives such as the Extended Care Paramedic Program.
This year, paramedics have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the health and safety of Nova Scotians.
Quotes:
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate that I’ve able to maintain a career for 21 years doing a job that I love. It is a privilege and an honour providing care for Nova Scotians, but to me there is a lot more to this profession than what we do out there each and every day. Being a paramedic would simply not be possible without family – people at work and at home who continually offer support and encouragement so that we’re able to do this job to the best of our ability.”
– Jerry Galway, paramedic, New Glasgow
Quick Facts:
Paramedics are involved in initiatives including:
— the Extended Care Paramedic Program in Halifax that allows seniors to be treated in their home rather than an emergency department
— a check-in program called VISIT in the Annapolis Valley that allows paramedics to check in on some seniors identified by local doctors
— a Community-Based Paramedic Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality that supports patients after being released from hospital
— 21 paramedics were recognized at the annual Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal ceremonies on Sept. 24
Additional Resources:
Emergency Health Services Employees Honoured for Exemplary Service:
http://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200924003
Becoming a Paramedic: http://novascotia.ca/dhw/ehs/becoming-a-paramedic.asp
