Toronto EMS is internationally renowned as a leading provider of accredited paramedic education. This training has normally been delivered in-house as an upgrade program for Toronto EMS’ own Primary Care Paramedic (PCP or Level 1) staff. Upon program completion, the graduates are awarded Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP or Level 3) status and can immediately start work as ACPs within Toronto EMS. The training allows ACPs to provide patients with added life-saving treatments not only prior to arrival at hospital, but “at the scene”.
However, it was recognized that many Ontario communities outside Toronto have few, if any, ACPs to service their needs where travel to hospital can sometimes last an hour by ambulance. Moreover, few institutions in Ontario actually provide accredited ACP training. In response, the Toronto EMS Regional Advanced Care Paramedic Training Program was created. Now, in partnership with its fellow emergency medical services, Toronto EMS is proud to be involved in training ACPs in other regional centres of Ontario.
Utilising Toronto EMS’ curriculum, this unique and flexible program model allows other EMS systems to provide ACP training to their own staff. Furthermore, the training is conveniently delivered within the local community by each service’s own existing ACPs. Toronto EMS’ role is to provide educational material, policies, standards, instructor training and quality assurance oversight.
Since the program’s inception in October 2003, a total of 14 students - 5 from Huron County EMS, 6 from Halton Region EMS, and 3 from Brant County Ambulance - have graduated and are now working full-time as Advanced Care Paramedics within their communities. Since September 2005, subsequent classes have already begun in both Huron County an Halton Region.
Current partner campuses include Huron County EMS, Halton Region EMS, Brant County Ambulance and Six Nations Ambulance. Feedback from these services has been very positive as the program has continued to grow. As with our internal ACP training program, the regional program has been accredited by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). The program was also honoured with a Bronze Award at the 2005 Public Sector Quality Fair held at the National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
We look forward to continuing to work with our current and future partners in expanding paramedic education across the Province of Ontario.
Note: The Toronto Regional ACP Training Program is unable to accept applications for training from individuals who are not employed by one of our partner sites.
