Self-Regulation Application

Application for Self-Regulation Questionnaire

The Regulated Health Professions Act

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Paramedic Association of Manitoba (“PAM”) operates as the professional association for registered Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) providers licensed in Manitoba. Representing both rural and urban practitioners, PAM is committed to enhancing the role of paramedicine as a vital component in our health care system and promoting the highest quality of EMS and pre-hospital care possible. PAM’s vision is to become a self-governing college responsible for all pre-hospital practitioners in Manitoba.

Paramedics are front-line health care providers educated and trained to assess a patient’s condition and provide appropriate medical treatment and recommendations following approved and accepted medical protocols and guidelines. Typically, paramedics respond to emergency calls to assess and manage the patient(s) and provide care within their specific scope of practice. Paramedics must identify potentially life-threatening medical or traumatic conditions, obtain patient history, conduct physical patient assessments using appropriate methods, assess vital signs and utilize available diagnostic tests to develop a provisional working diagnosis. Paramedics begin appropriate medical treatment on-scene and, as necessary, continue medical treatment during transport to a hospital or alternate medical facility.

Assessing and treating patients in uncontrolled and weather-affected surroundings poses risks to patients and practitioners not experienced by other health professions. Multi-casualty triage, on-scene immobilization and emergency transport present risk of physical harm to patients.

Paramedics work within the EMS system which is intended to provide timely and safe response, sound medical assessment and treatment and medical transport services to citizens and communities in Manitoba. EMS provides out-of-hospital medical care to those with perceived urgent needs and delivers care as part of a system intended to attenuate the morbidity associated with sudden illnesses and injury. The core services in the EMS system are: emergency medical dispatch; emergency medical response and medical care; emergency medical transport; and inter-facility medical transport.

Paramedicine has evolved significantly over the past two decades, developing an increased and specialized body of knowledge through the National Occupational Competency Profiles for Paramedic Practitioners (“NOCP”), and realizing a growing trend toward a career profession. The increasing demand and responsibilities placed on paramedics within our health care system brings with it an increased potential for significant harm to patients.

The current regulatory framework (government regulation of both personnel and employers) no longer serves the best interest of the public as it does not adequately address transparency, public accountability and competency within the profession. Whether considering enhanced education and entry to practice standards, mandating improved continuing competency requirements, or investigating a practice complaint, it has become increasingly difficult if not impossible to govern both the employee and the employer without experiencing a conflict of interest.

The members of the paramedic profession, based on their knowledge, skills and judgment, are best suited to govern their own profession in the public interest. Self-regulation through a Manitoba College of Paramedics will ensure public protection and accountability through processes defined in The Regulated Health Professions Act (“RHPA”), including public representation in decision making processes, the development of a continuing competency program and a formal complaints investigation process. A Manitoba College of Paramedics would regulate the practice of paramedicine and assure the public of the knowledge, skill, proficiency and competency of EMS practitioners.

For the complete application use the following link: Application for Self-Regulation Questionairre