This year’s theme for Paramedic Services Week is “Paramedics: Health – Community – You.”
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration says it is proud of the paramedics in the district and appreciates their professionalism and caring approach with our citizens that are in need of pre-hospital care.
Besides West Nipissing, District of Nipissing paramedics provide services in North Bay, Temagami, Mattawa, South Algonquin, and points in between.
Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the District of Nipissing Jean Guy Belzile says paramedics do much more than the important work the public sees at trauma events in the area. “We are celebrating Paramedic Services Week this year by highlighting the out-of-hospital care efforts we undertake every day.”
One of the emerging trends in out-of-hospital care provided by paramedics is community paramedicine. Paramedics are proactively dealing with an aging population by visiting patients in a non-emergency setting. They check blood pressure and blood sugar or run a heart monitor system in an effort to prevent or identify health concerns before they require emergency care. Public education is another significant role that paramedics play in promoting healthy communities.
“Undoubtedly, our paramedics are local heroes for what they do day in and day out every day of the year,” says DNSSAB Chair, Mark King. “It’s important that we take one week out of that year to recognize these people in our community who look after our loved ones, whether in a health crisis or in a pro-active, preventative way.” King adds, “The need to advocate for the services paramedics provide, outside of the hospital, has never been greater. The peace of mind that’s offered through the community paramedicine program is a considerable value, especially with an aging population trying to live at home.”