May 21 to 27 is Paramedic Services Week across Canada. Each year, Paramedic Services Week is a time to reflect on the important role of paramedics in our communities, and to recognize specific developments and important issues in paramedicine.
The theme for Paramedic Services Week 2023 is ‘Diversity in paramedicine – the patient, the provider and the profession’. Throughout the week, the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada and the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs will be raising awareness and engaging in conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can follow along and learn more by visiting their website, www.oapc.ca
“Patients are the heart of paramedic services and the individuals we encounter and support each day have diverse backgrounds, beliefs and needs,” said Grey County’s director of paramedic services, Kevin McNab. “By building our understanding of various cultures, our care becomes more inclusive for our patients and our broader community.”
Paramedics provide an invaluable role in our communities, as first responders, community educators, and as community paramedics supporting our vulnerable populations. Grey County Paramedic Services has a workforce of more than 150 full and part-time primary care and community paramedics. Grey County receives over 31,000 annual calls for service including 14,000 patient calls. In addition to emergency response, Grey County provides or supports several community paramedicine programs and initiatives such as Supportive Outreach Services, Community Paramedic Home Visitation, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care.
You can learn more by visiting www.grey.ca/resident-services/paramedic-services/community-paramedicine.
