HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
In Canada, a secondary-school student often starts by taking science, biology, health or first-aid courses and building strong communication and teamwork skills. Many people then complete postsecondary or workplace training in emergency medical response, such as an emergency medical responder program, first aid and CPR, or other paramedical training. Some employers and provinces may want additional practical instruction, supervised field experience, or a higher level of emergency medical training for certain roles. Early experience in volunteering, community care, or emergency services can also be helpful when applying for entry-level jobs.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assess extent of injuries or medical illnesses of trauma victims, patients with respiratory disease and stress, overdose and poisoning victims, industrial accident victims and other ill or injured individuals to determine emergency medical treatment
- Administer pre-hospital emergency care, such as oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), spinal immobilization, bandaging and splinting, to patients
- Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other advanced emergency treatment to patients
- Transport patients by air, land or water to hospital or other medical facility for further medical care
- Document and record nature of injuries and illnesses and treatment provided
- Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment, if necessary
- Maintain ambulances and emergency care equipment and supplies
- May train and supervise other workers in this unit group
- May assist with triage of emergency patients.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Business ProceduresInterpersonal communication skillsMultidisciplinary teamwork