TRAINING FOR EMS PERSONNEL IMPROVES PATIENT SERVICES

Fifty-seven of Saskatchewan's emergency medical responders (EMRs) are benefiting from a training initiative to upgrade and improve their emergency skills, as part of a provincial government investment. Support for the initiative began in 2002-03 with an investment of $500,000, and continued in this year's budget with another $500,000, for a total of $1 million over two years.

The provincial government's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Initiative, announced as part of The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, has 26 students training in part-time sessions in the communities of Macklin (Heartland Health Region) and Watrous (Saskatoon Health Region). Fifteen emergency medical responders received bursaries of $2,500 each to attend a full-time training program, and arrangements are in place for the training of 16 EMRs in the Keewatin Yatthé Regional Health Authority to advance their skills to an EMT-basic level.

"It is important that Saskatchewan people, no matter where they live, receive high quality services. One of our government's key Action Plan goals is to ensure a minimum of one EMT on every emergency call so that patients can receive a higher level of care the minute help arrives," Health Minister John Nilson said.

EMT students are receiving training in cardiac and respiratory emergencies, trauma management, obstetrics and pediatrics, pharmacology, as well as a number of other important areas.

In recognizing EMS Week, May 18th – 24th, Nilson commended all EMS personnel for playing a vital role in our health care system, and for working together to improve services that are delivered over a vast geographic area, including rural, northern and urban Saskatchewan.

"Together EMS providers are working to ensure quality care and minimize response times for those requiring care. It is work that reflects the top priority of our government to provide the people of our province with accessible, quality health care," Nilson said.

More than 3,000 emergency medical services personnel provide essential medical care and transport to Saskatchewan citizens. These emergency care providers served on more than 80,000 road ambulance and over 1,000 air ambulance calls in the past year.

Saskatchewan Health is working with Regional Health Authorities and Regional Colleges to establish other training sites in the province. The courses are offered through Saskatchewan's Regional Colleges, in co-operation with SIAST.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083