Paramedics college wants increased authority - Action News
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Paramedics college wants increased authority

Paramedics in Alberta are pushing for increased authority, allowing them to set their own rules of practice, and hopefully keep more people out of hospitals.

Changes would allow for more training and new treatment rules

Paramedics in Alberta hope forming their own college will ease strain on hospitals. (CBC)

Paramedics in Alberta want increased authority over their profession, meaning more patients could be treated at home rather than in hospital.

"So we're not going to stop the emergent care of transporting those patients who need to go to the hospital but we are going to try to reduce the number of patients that we transport," said Heather Verbaas,with the Alberta College of Paramedics.

"And rural Alberta is another example of that where that can play a really big role and a huge help to the system."

Her organization is waiting to hear back from the provincial government on increased authority for the collegeunder the Health Professions Actthat would allow paramedics to set their own rules on care, and to discipline members.

The change could help ease pressure on hospitals by allowing such things as collaborations between paramedics and a nurse practitioner on scene. It would also allowparamedics to take additional training to specialize in certain areas.

Clarifications

  • An earlier version of this story said the Alberta College of Paramedics was seeking official status as a professional college. The college already has official status and is recognized by the Alberta government, but is seeking greater authority and autonomy under the Health Professions Act.
    Aug 14, 2015 10:37 AM MT