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Let paramedics handle more

In my eight (former) years of experience working in EMS, I brought into the ER many critical patients.

In my eight (former) years of experience working in EMS, I brought into the ER many critical patients.

However, I also recall bringing in sore throats, constipation and a “sliver” in someone’s foot. I’ve stood in hospital hallways technically “out of service” for hours at a time.

If we’re looking to reduce wait times in the ER, why not consider using some experienced paramedics to treat minor ailments in home, with on-call access to a medical director?

And while we’re at it, let’s bring in a few RN practitioners that can treat in the ER. Both of these professions have very strong skill sets.

These changes, and the logistics involved, would require forethought and direction, but they could potentially decrease wait times in the ER by bypassing non-emergency EMS calls, save a few taxpayer dollars (or at least re-route them for increased efficiency), free EMS from the hallways, and allow more patients to be treated in the emergency room through co-ordinated efforts.

Food for thought.

Shauna Bossert

Red Deer