Overview
Workers in paramedical occupations administer pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients with injuries or medical illnesses and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities for further medical care. They are employed by private ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, government departments and agencies, manufacturing firms, mining companies and other private sector establishments. Paramedics who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Assess extent of injuries or medical illnesses of trauma victims, patients with respiratory disease and stress, overdose and poisoning victims, industrial accident victims and other ill or injured individuals to determine emergency medical treatment
Administer pre-hospital emergency care to patients such as oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), spinal immobilization, bandaging and splinting
Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other advanced emergency treatment to patients
Transport patients by air, land or water to hospital or other medical facility for further medical care
Collaborate with ambulance dispatch centres, hospital staff, police, firefighters and family members to ensure relevant information is collected and proper treatment is administered
Document and record nature of injuries and illnesses and treatment provided
Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment, if necessary
Maintain emergency care equipment and supplies
May train and supervise other workers in this unit group
May assist with triage of emergency patients.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$74,039
$102,194
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
693expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a one- to three-year college, hospital-based or other recognized paramedical or emergency medical technology program is required.
Licensing by a regulatory body is required in all provinces.
Those operating emergency vehicles require an appropriate class of licence.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Paramedical occupations in B.C.
- Provincial Licensing under the Emergency Services Act - Paramedical Occupations
Provincial Licensing under the Emergency Services Act - Paramedical Occupations
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work in a paramedical occupation in B.C., you must be provincially licensed under the Emergency Services Act. Eligibility is achieved by completing a recognized training program and passing approved licensing examinations.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.