The theme for National Paramedic Services Week 2020 is ‘Pandemic: Paramedics on the Front Line’ and it demonstrates the important role paramedics play on the front lines of the healthcare system during a pandemic.
During a global pandemic health emergency, paramedics play an integral role on the front lines of healthcare. Paramedics are often an early point of contact in the public arena, noted a release.
“If not called upon to respond to you in need when you call, they are ‘running toward’ the risks associated with a pandemic response when they arrive.”
The Stettler District Ambulance Association would like to acknowledge the roles played by paramedic professionals during a pandemic outbreak.
“These proud professionals are well-positioned in their mobile role to make significant contributions to working toward protecting the health and well-being of the citizens they serve.
“Especially during this time in the world, where we are focusing on frontline workers putting themselves at the forefront of this pandemic, the message I would like to get across is that the Stettler District Ambulance Association definitely supports and acknowledges that work that the frontline staff do in Stettler, the surrounding communities and for all of Central Alberta,” said Linda Borg, manager of the Stettler District Ambulance Association.
She added that the Association also runs under what is called a ‘borderless’ system so the region actually covered is expansive.
“We recognize on a daily basis that going out there, they are very passionate about their jobs and about helping people even though the risks are there in regards to bringing (COVID-19) home to their families,” she explained.
“Obviously, Alberta Health Services and ourselves are doing everything we can to make it a healthy and safe environment for our staff as well during this time,” she said.
The Association responded to 1,322 emergency calls and 696 routine inter-facility transports last year.
Accreditation Canada also commended Stettler District Ambulance for its ongoing work to integrate accreditation into its operations to improve the quality and safety of its programs and services in 2016.
“This achievement demonstrates our paramedics’ determination and commitment to ongoing quality improvement. We applaud our paramedics for their efforts and dedication to the provision of safe, quality health services.”
As Borg pointed out, paramedics are being tested with every new pandemic announcement these days and are developing skills in resiliency, as well as in planning and executing contingency strategies.
“These are skills or competencies that cannot be taught through formal continuing education – they must be learned through experience and practical application, and they are just as valuable as formal education.
”While most of us are being told to stay home and to use social distancing, paramedics are front and center, taking care of those affected by the COVID-19 virus as well as our senior citizens and those with illness or injuries at the same time.
“We are so proud of the extraordinary courage and commitment shown by paramedics during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). I would like to express my gratitude for their tireless work during this exceptional time that is being experienced all over the world.”
For more information, find them on Facebook at ‘Stettler District Ambulance Association’ or visit www.stettlerambulance.com.