By January 1, 2012, according to Regulation 257/00 of the Ambulance Act, all part-time non-EMCA paramedics must attain the same Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) educational qualifications as full-time paramedic staff.

Paramedic education is available through provincial paramedic programs. A list of approved colleges and institutions can be found on the Paramedic Programs page.

Individuals with paramedicine training from outside the province may have the skills required to be eligible to work as a paramedic in Ontario. See the Paramedic Equivalency and the Paramedic Equivalency Questions and Answers sections for more information.

A Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) responds to both emergency and non-emergency calls and works in an ambulance with another PCP or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) partner. PCPs can :

• conduct patient assessments,
• provide basic airway management,
• administer oxygen by demand, by bag-valve-mask or basic mechanical ventilation,
• perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
• provide basic trauma care (e.g. spinal and wound care, limb immobilization/traction)
• administer symptom relief medications and perform semi-automated external defibrillation (SAED) when certified by a base hospital director.

Specific controlled acts for PCP’s are listed in Schedule 1 of Regulation 257/00 as made under the Ambulance Act.

Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP) can :

• provide advanced airway management, including oral and nasotracheal intubation,
• perform laryngoscopy and removal of foreign body obstruction using forceps,
• provide basic field mechanical ventilation,
• conduct 12 lead ECG interpretation,
• administer symptom relief medications and perform manual defibrillation when certified by a base hospital director.

Specific controlled acts for ACP’s are listed in Schedule 2 of Regulation 257/00 as made under the Ambulance Act.

Critical Care Paramedics (CCP) can :

• administer any drug listed in Schedule 1 and 2, when certified by a base hospital medical director,
• perform additional advanced airway procedures, such as needle thoracostomy, cricothyroidotomy
• interpret x-rays and lab blood valves

Specific controlled acts for CCP’s are listed in Schedule 3 of Regulation 257/00 as made under the Ambulance Act.

Becoming a Paramedic
If your interest lies in helping others at their most urgent time of need, learn of the scholastic prerequisites and recommended courses you should have in order to become a paramedic.

Paramedic Training Colleges and Institutions
Colleges and institutions across the Province that offer formal paramedic training courses for Primary Care, Advanced Care and Critical Care paramedics.

Ontario Paramedic Equivalency Process
Paramedics from other provinces or countries who intend to work in the ambulance field must complete the Ontario Paramedic Equivalency Process to assure their current skill set meets Ontario's requirements. Please read the section regarding the Equivalency Process to learn more about the educational prerequisites and examinations required, and review the Equivalency Q&A to determine the steps to qualify.

Verification of Registration
Paramedics who wish to seek verification of their Ontario PCP or ACP registration must submit the appropriate form from a paramedic regulator with the applicant’s signature.  The administrative fee for processing each request is $15.00 which must be received in the form of a money order or certified cheque payable to the Minister of Finance.

In the absence of an official verification form applicants will need to submit a written request authorizing EHSB to release information to the paramedic regulator.  The following information must be included in the letter:

• name
• address
• telephone number
• file number (e.g. 00-01234)
• name of the individual/organization, province, territory or state requesting the information
• signature

The administrative fee for processing each letter is $15.00 which must be received in the form of a money order or certified cheque payable to the Minister of Finance.

In addition to the verification request form/letter you must provide proof of employment history which should include the last two (2) years with an Ontario certified ambulance operator and proof of current certification from a regional base hospital.  If you cannot provide employment history and/or proof of current certification please explain this in writing and forward your letter to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Education and Patient Care Standards, 5700 Yonge Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 4K5.

Becoming an Ambulance Dispatcher
Equally dedicated to assisting others, the ambulance dispatcher is often the first contact with those in need. If you prefer a behind-the-scenes career yet yearn for an occupation that can challenge and make a difference, consider these requirements in order to become an ambulance dispatcher.

Emergency Health Services Branch
5700 Yonge Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Canada     M2M 4K5

Tel : 1-800-461-6431 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
Fax : 416-327-7911
Email : ehs.websitecontact@sdsx.moh.gov.on.ca

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