First crop of Manitoba-trained advanced paramedics graduates in Winnipeg
Goal is to have at least 1 advanced care paramedic in every Winnipeg ambulance, city officials say
The first crop of Manitoba-trained advanced care paramedics graduated in Winnipeg on Tuesday.
The 12 graduates finished three years of study to be able to give specialized care before a patient reaches a hospital.
Candidates have to have at least two years of experience as a paramedic under their belt before they complete the program, which has classroom, hospital and field training.
Six of Tuesday's graduates were from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and six were from regional health authorities across Manitoba.
Grads did the program while remaining on the job as paramedics and have more detailed knowledge of disease and trauma, including greater pharmaceutical responsibility.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service now has 125 advanced care paramedics, including the six who graduated on Tuesday.
The goal is to have at least one advanced care paramedic in every Winnipeg ambulance at all times, city officials said.