New paramedic program at College of the Rockies

College of the Rockies is offering the very first full-time Primary Care Paramedic program in the East Kootenay starting Monday, March 7. Currently, anyone wishing to take this type of training would have to travel to Kelowna, Vancouver or Victoria.

Dean of Instruction Ron McRae noted: “With the chronic shortage of trained paramedics in the pre-hospital field provincially and globally, it seemed timely to provide this training in the East Kootenay to meet the growing demand. This level of PCP is recognized nationally and internationally."

Individuals wishing to take the Paramedic program in March must first possess an Emergency Medical Responder certificate. In order to allow interested parties to meet this prerequisite, the College is providing two additional EMR courses: the first from Jan. 21 through 28 and the second, over two weekends in February, Feb. 18, 19, 20 and Feb. 25, 26 and 27. This five-day course is followed by a one-day exam. It should be noted that Occupational First Aid Level 3 is a prerequisite for the Emergency Medical Responder course.

Once enrolled in the 22-week Primary Care Paramedic program, students take eight distinct blocks which include: patient assessment; airway management; intravenous therapy; drug administration; pharmacology; vehicle extrication; ECG interpretation and clinical decision making, The first 14 weeks are delivered face-to-face followed by a practicum that includes patient assessment and treatment in the hospital and on a working ambulance with preceptors. The program combines a unique teaching environment that uses talented subject matter experts along with paramedic instructors with many years of experience in this exciting field.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates can apply to the provincial licensing board to sit the PCP licensing exam. Successful licensure enables them to apply for a position with an ambulance service or work as a PCP in heavy industry.

“We expect there will be a lot of interest in this training,” McRae said. “So I’d suggest interested individuals apply as soon as possible.”