Ontario equivilency process

[JakeEMTP]

A few days ago, Bob Rae (former Ontario premier) announced his running for leader of the Liberal party. A blurb that was playing on the radio from his speech went something like this (paraphrase)

:shock: Surely he can't be serious! Remember last time he was in power folks, and beware!

[Dustdevil]

As long as he repeals the gun registration and legalises polygamy, I'll vote for him!

[xlq771]

Why does the MOH still use the term AEMCA? Why not do away with it entirely, and use the PCP/ACP/CCP terms on the certificates?

[Lithium]

Because, writing and passing the AEMCA does not make you a paramedic of any level. The same as this new provincial ACP exam, it doesn't allow you to practice ALS skills/therapy, it just makes sure you know the provincial protocols.

Challenging the AEMCA and successfully passing it is the way the MoH ensures ambulance service employees have the required knowledge as determined by them. Previously, it was known as the EMCA certificate, then when community colleges started teaching the symptom relief and defib programs, the MoH changed it to AEMCA, to incorporate those ADVANCED life support skills. Never kid yourselves ... PCPs are simply BLS medics performing ALS interventions, similar to the EMT-Is in the states. However of course, the PCP knowledge base is a bit thicker, but that's neither here nor there.

You are only a paramedic when on active duty on an ambulance, and your certification is active with a base hospital.

As soon as your shift ends, you are no longer a paramedic, just a person holding a ministry certificate. (very simplified version, but that's how it is).

This is why the OPA is pushing for a College of Paramedics, because that way, you are always a paramedic, regardless if you're working or not. We won't go there though ...

peace