What does this job look like at AHS?

Advanced care paramedics are often the first responders at scenes where people are in need of emergency medical care. They administer pre-hospital medical care, which may include stabilizing an injured or ill person who needs to be transported via ambulance to health care facilities for further treatment. Advanced care paramedics are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition to determine the extent of his or her injury or illness and immediate care needs. They carry out their roles within a defined scope of practice that includes the provision of advanced life support procedures such as intubation and suturing.

Advanced care paramedics check and monitor vital signs, measure blood glucose levels and use other diagnostic procedures. They perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), provide oxygen, administer medications including intravenous (IV) treatments, perform bandaging and splinting, assist in childbirth and provide initial treatment to trauma patients. In addition, advanced care paramedics may provide leadership and work guidance to other emergency medical services personnel and health care workers.

Advanced care paramedics often work in highly stressful emergency situations. Their work is performed before a patient reaches a hospital and within health care facilities. At some sites, much of their time may be spent in ambulances, transporting injured or ill people to hospitals, urgent care centres or other health facilities. In other locations, advanced care paramedics provide care to patients in an emergency room setting. Advanced care paramedics play an important role as members of the interprofessional health care team. In the course of their work, they collaborate with other emergency medical personnel, physicians, nurses and other health professionals.

Advanced care paramedics may work full-time or part-time hours or on a call-in (casual) basis. They can apply for positions that are permanent, temporary or casual depending on department and facility needs. Shift schedules may include a combination of day, evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts, as well as on-call duty.

Advanced care paramedics spend a lot of time standing, reaching, walking, crouching and bending during their shifts. They are required to lift and transport patients and equipment. At times, they may be in awkward positions while providing assessment and care to ill and injured people. Advanced care paramedics may be exposed to chemicals, bodily fluids, needle sticks and other potential safety risks while on the job. To avoid infection, injury and ensure the safety of patients and co-workers, paramedics practise safe work procedures.

Your EMS offers a behind the scenes look at the men and women who provide emergency care, as well as the equipment, tools and programs used.

To learn more visit Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS).

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