The Department of Health and Community services says EMS personnel will be among the first group in this province to be vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s in response to recent concerns raised about at-risk emergency workers.

The Department says EMS staff are included in the first phase of the province’s immunization plan as they fall under the category of health care workers. That includes workers at high risk of exposure to the virus as they are directly involved in pandemic response.

Others have flagged the vulnerability of the province’s volunteer fire departments as firefighters, often first to the scene of emergency situations, work alongside paramedics.

In a statement, the Department of Health says fire department personnel fall under Phase Two of the provincial plan.

The second phase also includes health care workers not included in Phase One, residents and staff of congregate living settings, and essential workers.