Paramedics expanding their skillset

The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) is proud to announce that 12 additional Paramedics have been certified (or are in the final stages of being certified) to administer Intravenous (IV) therapy to our patients. This expanded scope of practice allows the Paramedics to further treat their patients by initiating IV fluids and medication administration.

Certification consisted of both teaching and scenario testing with our partners at the Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO). The Paramedics then completed a clinical portion where they had the opportunity to start IVs under the guidance of a certified health care professional. Paramedics are certified to perform delegated medical acts under the license of a Physician with the RPPEO.

Paramedics have been waiting for the opportunity for this professional development since the last Autonomous IV (AIV) course took place in 2015. LCPS intends to offer this training opportunity to every Paramedic over the next few years.

“I am proud of the Paramedics for volunteering to complete this additional training. This past year was particularly challenging for everyone; and having the ability to offer this program has not only increased the level of care we can provide to our residents, but it has also boosted morale within our organization,” noted Deputy Chief Breanne Lapointe. “Everyone living in and visiting Lanark County should have peace of mind knowing that they have such highly trained and committed Paramedics available to them in their time of need.”

LCPS would like to thank our partners who made this possible, including Lanark County for their logistical support, Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, and the RPPEO.

LCPS now has close to 30 Paramedics who are certified (or soon to be certified) to initiate IV therapy. This number includes Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) that began in 2019. This expertise will continue to grow as more AIV courses are offered and more Paramedics become certified as ACPs after completing an additional year at an accredited college. 

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) is operated by Almonte General Hospital under contract with the County of Lanark. LCPS is the sole provider of emergency medical response within the County of Lanark – a service district encompassing 3,074 square kilometres with a population of approximately 70,000 people.

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Author: Hometown News