Vaccine Eligibility Update from Alberta Health Services
Earlier this week, the College was provided with the following information regarding a further expansion to those who are/will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. In Phase 2B and 2C, Alberta continues to take a phased approach to protect those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, and those who interact with them, like health care workersRead More
CEO Message: one-year in, how COVID changed our world
A year ago, I, like many others, thought we would be sending staff home to work for a few weeks while the COVID situation unfolded and the appropriate responses were created. Little did any of us think or realize just how much of an effect we would have to deal with in both our professional and personal worlds. It isRead More
AHS Expands vaccines to all front-line paramedics (Update)
The Government of Alberta announced an expansion of vaccine eligibility to include health care workers beginning Monday, April 12. Eligible members may now book their own vaccination appointments with AHS. Alberta Health has recognized that all EMRs, PCPs and ACPs who provide direct patient care should be included in the next phase of the vaccine sequencing. This is beingRead More
AHS Expands vaccines to all front-line paramedics
Members, please check your email - including your junk and spam folders - for this important communication. The survey link can now be found on the home page of the member portal. Alberta Health has recognized that all EMRs, PCPs and ACPs who provide direct patient care should be included in the next phase of the vaccine sequencing. This isRead More
The College is a safe sender, but your email provider may need a reminder
Yesterday, the College sent out a Direct Message with important information on the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for regulated members. With more than 8,000 regulated members, the most efficient way the College can provide information relevant to your practice and the healthcare environment right now is through email. However, we are hearing from some that these emails are goingRead More
Working in multiple provinces: Border Security
The regulatory landscape for paramedics who work in more than one province has always been a bit tricky to navigate, but the events of the past year have highlighted the need to make more information available on this important topic. As you know, if you are an EMR, PCP or ACP working in any province in Canada, you are requiredRead More
Designations of the profession: wait, what? … Designations?
When you think of an emergency medical services person, you usually think paramedic. And while this isn’t inaccurate, it’s also not the full story about the paramedic profession in Alberta. Paramedicine has three different designation levels that are recognized to work in Alberta. The three designation levels are Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care ParamedicRead More
College withdrawal from PAC: More Details
On Tuesday, February 16, Council President Melissa Manion announced the College would no longer be able to be the Alberta Chapter for the Paramedic Association of Canada as a result of Alberta’s Bill 46. We know this brings up many questions for regulated members pertaining to PAC fees paid, annual member dues, liability insurance access and what this means forRead More
President’s Message: College withdraws from PAC, what this means for members and fees
In the years since the College became the Alberta Chapter of the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC), we have been willing partners and participants, hoping to help further the paramedic profession at the national level. I, myself, was honoured to participate in the Paramedics on the Hill event organized and facilitated by PAC. We have had our share of struggles,Read More
New Standards of Practice for the Paramedic Profession: Consultation Period (Expired)
Professional standards, or as legislation refers to them Standards of Practice, are essential to ensure quality care is provided to all Albertans by all healthcare professions. The current Standards of Practice for the paramedic profession were developed and approved in 2016, as part of the profession’s proclamation under the Health Professions Act. While appropriate at the time, the Standards inRead More
Paramedics and emergency medical responders COVID-19 immunization FAQ
The Paramedics and emergency medical responders COVID-19 immunization FAQs are provided by Alberta Health Services. Download the PDF here. Who decides who will get the COIVID-19 vaccine, and when? The Federal Government is responsible for supplying the COVID-19 vaccine while the Government of Alberta is responsible for vaccine policy setting and allocation of the vaccine. Alberta Health Services is responsibleRead More
2020/2021 Continuing Competence Opportunities and Required Learning
As we start to plan for the year ahead, it is time to start giving some thought to how best to complete your Continuing Competence requirements for the 2020/2021 cycle. The Health Professions Act (HPA) requires all health professionals to participate in a Continuing Competence program, as this is a vital component to ensuring the public safety, regardless of theRead More