Sun Country Health Region (SCHR) is looking for people who would like to support their local communities by becoming part of the local emergency medical services (EMS) team. They can train to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or emergency medical responders, with the potential for advanced education.
EMS stations in SCHR are located in Estevan, Carnduff, Stoughton, Oxbow, Weyburn, Lampman, Pangman, Bengough, Coronach, Fillmore, Carlyle, Redvers, Maryfield, Wawota, Kipling and Radville. Most of these communities need more EMS staff and first responders.
SCHR will provide a bursary up to $5,000 per student year for a maximum two years, with a return-for-service agreement to help with the cost of education to obtain an Emergency Medical Technician certificate. Unionized EMS personnel are paid by the Region for the hours they work or provide stand-by, according to a wage scale set by a province-wide collective agreement.
The First Responder education is a 40-hour course that provides up-to-date CPR training as well as a number of simulated scenarios. The Emergency Medical Responder Course (EMR) is another 40-hours.
The Emergency Medical Technician course can be taken in six months if willing to attend in Regina or approximately 16 months if taken locally every other weekend.
Some municipalities and some local businesses have agreed to work with people who are interested in the training to allow them the flexible work schedules necessary to participate in EMS calls.
Many of the necessary educational programs are available within the Region from qualified instructors who work for SCHR. The dates for basic and refresher courses are available on SCHR's website at http://www.suncountry.sk.ca/service/169/88/ambulance- education-programs.html
"We are hoping to find some community-minded people willing to work with us," says Charles Eddy, Regional Director, EMS Services.
"It's getting more and more difficult to fill these positions. We recognize that people are busy with work and family but we hope there are some who are willing to help fill this need for the good of the larger community."
"EMS is a critical piece of service to residents. Public partnerships and participation are essential."
