Ontario Paramedic Program Overview
By January 1, 2009, 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.
Paramedics in Ontario
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 PCP’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 PCP’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 employment outside of Ontario (either in another province/territory or in another country) must provide a letter of permission to Emergency Health Services Branch (EHSB) in order for EHSB to release information on registration/licensure status to prospective employers. This letter of permission must include your name, address, telephone number, AEMCA file number (e.g. 00-01234), name of the province, territory or state requesting the information and your signature. The administration fee for processing this request is $15.00 which must be received in the form of a money order or certified cheque payable to the Minister of Finance. Please forward your letter and administration fee to EHSB.
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.
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