NS Healthcare Hero: EHS Extended Care

“There is a group of healthcare heroes who make up the Extended Care Paramedic program. This program started in 2011 and these specially trained paramedics respond to long term care facilities all over HRM with the goal of treating these patients in the comfort of their home. Treating anything from acute to chronic problems, the ECP’s come up with a care plan in consultation with the facility physician. From suturing to IV antibiotics and hydration or medication changes. They also may arrange tests through outpatient clinics. They may need to hold the hand of a dementia patient to calm them or comfort a family whose loved one is at end of life.

These paramedics were called upon at the start of the pandemic to assist with the deadly outbreak at Northwood LTCF and have continued to assist with administering Covid testing in residential care facilities and for those who are mobility challenged and are unable to make it to a testing center. They have also been on the frontlines when large groups of refugees arrive in Halifax to start their new life in Canada. This group of 8 dedicated paramedics have a combined 150 years of paramedic experience. They are mentors to new paramedics, preceptors to students, leaders in their profession and respected by many.

Many have families, volunteer on committees and participate in activities outside of work. Every Christmas they make up stockings to deliver to LTCFs who have residents without families. This past Christmas they made up 125 stockings that were delivered to four LTCFs. These paramedics are dedicated, compassionate and show a lot of pride in the ECP program. They are most deserving to be recognized as health care heroes for the work they do.”

• This nomination was sent in by Colleen Nixon