Three more critical care paramedics are now staffed at Station 580 at the Prince George Airport.
It’s due in large part to the Advanced Care Paramedics that was launched in the city two years ago, which will help support north as well as rural and remote Indigenous areas with high-level care.
“I’m very excited that we had our first cohort in Prince George. Our goal in BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is to have equitable access for all, all across this whole province. To open up Critical Paramedic [training] in Prince George is an amazing feat,” said Leanne Heppell, Executive Vice President & Chief Ambulance Officer.
The program was prompted following increased investment at YXS, which saw the addition of two more airplanes and helicopter.
This was the first time the program was offered outside of Metro Vancouver.
Critical Care Paramedics provide the highest level of pre-hospital care specializing in emergency patient care and transport for critically ill or injured patients across B.C.
“One of the things we are trying to do is support the north and rural and remote indigenous communities with high-level care. Having teams based out of Prince George allows us to respond in a timely manner and to give them the care that they need,” said Chris Naples, CCP Paramedic Practice Educator.
The graduates are Eric Konkin, Spencer Ovenden and, Joseph Balfour.
Most of the training occurred at UHNBC. A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday (November 30th) in Vancouver.
Another Prince George-based training program is scheduled to start in January.
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