T-minus 9 days for Alberta "take over"

[tniuqs]

I was bored, so I thought I would add some realistic perspective a bit of AB EMS CSI.

Ambulances that come into the city to drop off a patient from communities around the region can be utilized, he said.

What about the Rural areas ?

"As they're moving around between regions and in and out of the city we can utilize those resources to respond if they're the closest ambulance to a call."

So the question remains if an ALS crew leaves say Edson, will an ALS Spruce Grove crew be dispatched to Edson and an ALS crew from Edmonton dispatched to Spruce Grove ? That is "improved utilization coverage model " ... but this type of roving deployment is simply absurd, it has never worked in a City alone let alone in a Province to reduce response times unless it in non emergent calls. One would need to have MASSIVE resources to accomplish this concept in the first place and I predict that there's going to be ton of truck sitting and huge Over Time costs just returning crews to their Stations, ALONE !

There have been criticisms that out-of-town ambulances and dispatchers will have trouble with unfamiliar addresses and landmarks, but Garland dismissed those suggestions.

Dismissed ?/?/?/ ... I certianly hope Garland has a good Lawyer, as if this will not cause massive confusion this it is NOT Bloody Pizza delivery ! (Although I don't pay for my pizza if it is delivered in less an 30 minutes)

So just who does the Family sue now ?

The crew from Red Deer responding in St. Albert?

The Dispatcher ?

Or AHS ?

I know the answer to WHO losses out bottom line ... the Patient needing services is WHOM!

I will send flowers !

Ambulances will be equipped with GPS, if they don't have them already, he said, and dispatchers pass on the same information no matter where they are located.

<sarcasm> I have a spare Tom Tom will give AHS a good deal too.

So an out of city rural crew doesn't know the fastest route or completely relys on a plastic brain (ie GPS) OR a city crew can't find a rural address so will there be a redundunt system of maps or just wing it. Realistically these new AHS directors , have they ever worked on a aborigional reserve ? (ps go to Franks House in the field to the Left) Have they ever worked with Legal Land Locations in the Oilpatch? Many of these roads are not even on present maps let alone programmed in any GPS system.

The consolidation will mean there will be a better use and co-ordination of resources across the province, said Jim Garland, director of dispatch services for Alberta Health Services.

"As they're moving around between regions and in and out of the city we can utilize those resources to respond if they're the closest ambulance to a call."

Translation .... BLS will become the new standard of care and IHAS just became an Emergency service.

"The dispatcher in Camrose gives that information to the crew that's responding," Garland said. "If that same information is given to a dispatcher in Edmonton they're still going to give that information to the crew that's responding."

PLEASE refer to EmtAnnie's post ... and just how stupid does AHS believe we are, heck even Communications are not standardised (yet) ... multiple VHF frequencies, multiple UHF, I guess on will have a cell phone issued and because cell coverage is just awesome in all areas of the province <again sarcasm>

"Nothing will change and our overarching priority throughout this entire transition has been to make it as seamless as possible."

Paramedics and the public should learn more about the changes in the next three months, Acker said.

Ok is it just me the public will learn more, how about the EMS providers ? but do these sentance's even make any sense to you ? "Nothing will Change" ... "Seamless Transition" but no information as to clear direction, that is quite clear to me ...

I think Murphy (and many others) They still will be employed but how the day-to-day operations are going to be ... we don't know yet." the BS meters are on high alert, Street Medics do have a sixth sence.

A team in the community

"I can see paramedics partnering up with other health-care providers like respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners so they are really a team going out into the community," said Joe Acker, who is in charge of EMS for the Edmonton region with Alberta Health Services.

I can see that Acker should do some basic Math, there is just so many spare RRTs and NPs hanging around unemployed this is laughable ... it just shows you how much understanding Acker has of other present AB Health Care Inititives... NAIT and SAIT have been awarded more seats for RRTs BY the government and that alone is a 3 year course just to fill present positions and best go back Joe A. and just count how many spare NPs there are in the entire province, cough, splutter, hack, DUH ! All in All conceptually this is overly idealistic and has been from anouncment and as IF change is not extremely costly too, so pass the crack pipe around in the Legislature because the present Sitting Conservatives are sub theraputic with theirmeds.

Hey get STARS to spray (Halodol) over the Legislature when they are approach to the RAH now thats multitasking !

Why the hell did they just not improve direct funding formula to the municiple based system's in the first place, (rhetorical question) ..... the EMS essential services proclamation has just resulted in controlling EMS labour ! Those that believed this was a point of recognition and improvement ... well do we have our thinking caps on yet ?

I honestly DO have a place in my heart for when Joe A. and Jim G. (they are both good Humans, btw) They will loose their jobs because that is exactly what will happen when they fail, the moneys budgeted are public record they will need double the budget to come even close to accomplising all of these goals, now lets factor in the economy ...

Good Luck with all this.

Edited April 2, 2009 by tniuqs

[tniuqs]

<snip> drastically delaying billing by not scanning our PCR's into the digital record.

Ok this idea not attempted back about 20 years ago in BCAS ?.. Yes I agree hit them in the pocket book !

Please correct me, but did this pocket book action not result to close the doors at the Justice Institute to BCAS staff to maintain their requirements to provide care ? IMHO this brilliant government idea as a "punishment" set back development to improve ALS coverage model for the entire province as a direct result.

I can see the aging population of ALS providers in BC with these excessive hours will result in burn out, increase in incidents of PTSD, increased back injuries, (BCAS did a great statistical study on this btw)increased sick time and associated costs, just thank your luck stars you have a collective voice.

CUPE has picked the right time to apply pressure to Government, just before the the World is Watching the Olympics is brilliant !

(ps but good luck paying that off the pitance they negotiators have offered you, as will just about cover the expected cost over runs with an increase in provincial taxes)

cheers and Fight the good Fight.

I dont think I would want to be a EMS Scab in BC if thats what your Government thinks they will do to save face.

[FT49]

Wow.

What else can be said.. I am sitting here in the states reading all this. I am disheartened to see a group being treated worse than us. I hope you all do well. Is there any public screaming over this issue yet? Please feel free to email me any additional info. I am very interseted to see what occurs with this and truly hope those in authoirty are corrected and or removed so the best can be provided for the Citizens; those in need and those providing quality emergent heath care. Bob Hanover PA USA.

[mobey]

Nope the public knows nothing.

We have failed to organize as practitioners in Ab so we have no voice in this.

[kevkei]

If I'm not mistaken one of only 2 CMA accredited CCP programs is located in BC and is provided by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (don't be fooled by the name it's actually one of the best schools in the province and includes a number of other programs such as a BSN in nursing). Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the only other such program is run by ORANGE.

According to the CMA, BCIT isn't accredited for a CCP program. I know that BC has CCP positions, but I can't find a link to a CCP program in BC.

I do know that NAIT's Paramedic (ACP) program out of Edmonton includes the CCP didactic in their base curriculum as well as clinical requirements for practicum. This is partly why the AIT and provincial mobility has been difficult as there are still gaps in the Alberta competency profile.

[rock_shoes]

According to the CMA, BCIT isn't accredited for a CCP program. I know that BC has CCP positions, but I can't find a link to a CCP program in BC.

I do know that NAIT's Paramedic (ACP) program out of Edmonton includes the CCP didactic in their base curriculum as well as clinical requirements for practicum. This is partly why the AIT and provincial mobility has been difficult as there are still gaps in the Alberta competency profile.

I recently spoke with an ALS member here in BC about that. The program is being run "In House" right now (same idea as what Toronto EMS does with their ACP program). I suspect (not 100%) some or possibly many of the instructors come from or have been borrowed from BCIT programs thus the confusion. That would make sense as BCIT runs a number of specialist nursing programs like Critical Care Nursing. I do know that the only way into the program right now is to apply (from within) and be selected for it.

Licensing is rather interesting at the moment for this level as well. Currently the expanded scope of practise a CCP works under in BC is listed as a series of endorsements on an ACP license. As far as I know (A BC CCP would know for certain) they are currently only able to use their expanded scope when on a call that has been designated a CCT(Critical Care Transport). A proper licensing definition is in the works and should be released within the next year or so. The scope utilized by these people seems to be in a constant state of flux much like the higher levels of any other health care profession.

As of right now it looks as thought the only CCP program available in Canada that any of us can access without working for BCAS is through ORANGE. Pretty safe bet competition is as fierce as it gets.

Sorry for getting so off topic

Now back on topic. I seem to remember reading in one of Squint's posts that that EMT's and Paramedics in Alta. are going to be members of the Health Sciences Association of Alta.. Don't shoot me for saying it but long term this may be a good thing. I know the Health Sciences Association of BC has managed to negotiate far better contracts on behalf of their membership than CUPE 873 has for BCAS employees. I'm not blaming CUPE for our woes here but I do think the results are worth a ponder. Maybe a dedicated health care union will be able to provide better representation.

[TDP]

http://www.ourparamedics.ca/

[rock_shoes]

http://www.ourparamedics.ca/

It looks like CUPE is hard after the opportunity to represent paramedics in Alta.. They make a strong case for themselves but whether or not they "get the job" is going to make for interesting viewing for the rest of us.

[Canadian Caesar]

It's been done!

AHS Posting for Edmonton

Position: EMT: Ambulance Email This Job To A Friend

Apply For This Job Online

Posting #: BT-41980-CC

Type: RFT - Regular Full Time

Location: Community Sector (all clinics and care facilities)

City/Town: Edmonton

Date Posted: 2009-04-01

Closed Date: 2009-04-17

Hours of Work/Shift Pattern: As per the current CUPE Local 3671 Collective Agreement, averaging 84 hours bi-weekly.

Salary/Benefits: $20.93 - $26.54 hourly as per CUPE Local 3671 Collective Agreement

Responsibilities/Duties:

Duties:

Alberta Heatlth Services - EMS requires Emergency Medical Technicians to provide life support services. As a pre-hospital care professional, you will be a patient advocate who will effectively communicate and interact with community partners and other health care professionals to ensure safe and proficient patient care. Within a dynamic team, assigned to suburban and rural operations you will be part of an innovative ALS service delivery model including paramedic response units in combination with ALS and BLS transport units. To fulfill your responsibilities you will, safely operate emergency vehicles, respond to medical and traumatic emergencies and adhere to professional standards, medical control guidelines, standard operating procedures, polices and directives.

It looks like they based the wages off of Parkland Ambulances Old Collective Agreement. Plus it looks like there will be BLS 911 transport in the Edmonton Zone as well as ALS from now on.

Allthough the "Community Center" description in the location description makes me think that this might be their solution to IHAS's new wages that they don't like? Is this supposed to be the new IHAS?

Edited April 3, 2009 by Julian Power

[rock_shoes]

It's been done!

AHS Posting for Edmonton

Position: EMT: Ambulance Email This Job To A Friend

Apply For This Job Online

Posting #: BT-41980-CC

Type: RFT - Regular Full Time

Location: Community Sector (all clinics and care facilities)

City/Town: Edmonton

Date Posted: 2009-04-01

Closed Date: 2009-04-17

Hours of Work/Shift Pattern: As per the current CUPE Local 3671 Collective Agreement, averaging 84 hours bi-weekly.

Salary/Benefits: $20.93 - $26.54 hourly as per CUPE Local 3671 Collective Agreement

Responsibilities/Duties:

Duties:

Alberta Heatlth Services - EMS requires Emergency Medical Technicians to provide life support services. As a pre-hospital care professional, you will be a patient advocate who will effectively communicate and interact with community partners and other health care professionals to ensure safe and proficient patient care. Within a dynamic team, assigned to suburban and rural operations you will be part of an innovative ALS service delivery model including paramedic response units in combination with ALS and BLS transport units. To fulfill your responsibilities you will, safely operate emergency vehicles, respond to medical and traumatic emergencies and adhere to professional standards, medical control guidelines, standard operating procedures, polices and directives.

It looks like they based the wages off of Parkland Ambulances Old Collective Agreement. Plus it looks like there will be BLS 911 transport in the Edmonton Zone as well as ALS from now on.

Allthough the "Community Center" description in the location description makes me think that this might be their solution to IHAS's new wages that they don't like? Is this supposed to be the new IHAS?

What a stellar offer 'snipe'! I might just have to hop the border and go through ACoP reciprocity. Who are they expecting to attract at those rates? Only a comlete newb who still has stars in his eyes that they (the hiring service) "actually let him do this" never mind pay him, would fall for it. Granted it's still better than what I'm paid, but BCAS is "special" and Edmonton is far from cheap to live in. It's pretty hard to justify working at those rates when it's possible to make significantly more elsewhere. Come to think of it what the hell am I doing sticking around with BCAS? If I wasn't working my way towards the ACP program I would be long gone already. With the mentorship program in place here you pretty well need to be a BCAS employee first.