Paramedics Services Week is being recognized across Canada.
It’s an annual celebration for paramedics, many of whom have had to face understaffing, long wait times in hospitals, trouble getting to rural areas, and what they feel is an inadequate pay scale.
Hubert Dawe, the business agent of the 855 Teamsters Union in Newfoundland and Labrador, on VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly, sent out a heartfelt thank you to EMRs, paramedics and dispatchers who work across the province.
Dawe says the overall registration of paramedics is currently down, ambulances are parked and left unstaffed, the number of calls is increasing and off-load wait times at hospitals are high. He says these a some of the factors that can take a toll on those providing paramedic services.
In addition to celebrating the paramedics on the streets, this year’s theme is the “Faces of Paramedicine” as there are many other players in the profession who help deliver care to those in need.