Alberta Paramedics Association

Advocacy

Support Paramedics

Understanding the Paramedic Perspective

Advocacy is to represent our members on the issues that impact the Paramedic work environment and the ability of practitioners to effectively perform their practice while doing patient care.

We advocate to advance the interests of our profession and our patients.

Through advocacy, we help ensure that the Paramedic perspective is understood and incorporated into the policies, plans and programs on all government levels while also voicing our concerns when actions are being considered that would have an adverse effect on our members and their patients.

Paramedic Advocacy Initiatives

Mechanics of the Association Advocating for the enhancement of professional practice shall be the primary function of the Association.  The mechanism to achieve that function will be through the following; 

Research

The Association shall be a focal point for Paramedic research. The Association shall encourage and support research that will improve the quality of practice, lifestyle, public engagement and the health and well being of Paramedics. 

Though from time to time the Association may be funded to conduct research, the primary function should be; 

  • An avenue for research to be maintained and accessed by members and various partners;
  • A resource for members and various partners to access information;
  • Act as a network of connections to various resources for our members and/or partners who are conducting research;
  • A resource for various support systems that will aid the member and/or partner who is conducting the research.

Education

Education will be the mechanism at which the Association advocates, engages and educates its members. Education is also the mechanism utilized to lobby the governing bodies and the public for a higher level of professional practice.

Educational strategies may include; 

  • Conventions; 
  • Workshops; 
  • Continuing Education; 
  • Online collaboration; 
  • Public awareness.

The Association will be a representing voice of the paramedic society in determining its own education. 

This includes but not limited to; 

  • Working with various stakeholders to develop higher educational standards and learning outcomes; 
  • Partnering with various industry leaders to develop educational material that is specific to the paramedic profession and achieves specific learning outcomes; 
  • Diversity of paramedic education; 
  • Preceptor and student support. 

    Accreditation

    The Association will utilize an accreditation process as a means to certify and guarantee that the objectives of the Association are being met by stakeholders in the profession.

    Examples may include

    • Educational programs;
    • Employer programs;
    • Operational programs;
    • Quality assurance programs;
    • Professional programs.

    Our Pillars

    Part of the Associations initiative will always be in part of advocating for change in the pillars of Knowledge, Skills & Health and Wellness.

    In addition, The Association is responsible to maintain and advocate for continuous enhancement of professional practice. 

    Is there a pillar that is not being met, recognized or needs enhancement? Write to us, share the change you want to see in the world of Paramedicine.

    Knowledge

    This includes but is not limited to any knowledge that a practitioner must possess to be a licensed, competent and safe practitioner. 

    This includes the following areas; 

    • Entry to practice; 
    • Continuing education; 
    • Remediation; 
    • Professional mobility; 
    • Registration renewal.

    Skills

    This pertains too, but not limited to, any skill at which a practitioner must be proficient in order to be licensed by the Alberta College of Paramedics; any skills within the National Occupational Competency Profile and the Alberta Occupational Competency Profile. 

    The following are areas outlined by the NOCP guidelines at which the Association shall advocate for enhancement; 

    • Professional responsibilities; 
    • Communication; 
    • Health and safety; 
    • Assessment and diagnostics; 
    • Therapeutics; 
    • Integration; 
    • Transportation; 
    • Health promotion and public safety. 

    Health and Wellness

    Within this area the Association shall focus on the health and wellness of the practitioner. The fundamentals of this area are; 

    • Physical; 
    • Psychological;
    • Lifestyle.

    The Alberta 'Helping Every Local Paramedic' Fund

    The Alberta Helping Every Local Paramedic (HELP) Fund is a pre-organized approach to manage funds geared towards giving practitioners and their families financial assistance in times of tragedy.

    What is the H.E.L.P Fund

    The HELP Fund is a non-profit child society of the Alberta Paramedic Association that was originally established as a pre-organized crowdsourced pass the hat type fund for families who fell victim of a Line of Duty Death (LODD). Today, in addition to LODD, the HELP Fund is rapidly becoming a funding source for practitioners with sudden critical illness/injury and organizations large or small, to access funding used for health and wellness initiatives.

    How Your Donation Helps

    Your donation is crucial to the success of the HELP Fund. Your donation will be used directly for:

    • Practitioner health and wellness initiatives.
    • To benefit a practitioner or their family in a time of tragedy.
    • Assist with the cost of operating the Alberta HELP Fund.

    Contact the HELP Fund

    Would you like more information in regards to the Alberta HELP Fund? Do you know someone that is in need of the Alberta HELP Fund? What if you were thinking of volunteering!? Send us an e-mail today and we would love to help you out with your request! 

    HELP Fund Recipients

     

    The following are a few of the recipients of the Alberta HELP Fund.  Thank you for sharing your story…

    2023

    Brett Ryan
    The Alberta Help Fund donated $1000.00 to Brett Ryan’s family after his tragic death on March 16, 2023.

    2021

    Marc Moebis
    The Alberta Help Fund donated $1000.00 to Marc Moebis’ family after his tragic death on October 12, 2021.

    2018

    Cameron Griffiths
    The Alberta Help Fund was activated and subsequently raised $5800 in relief funds when Cameron’s life was taken in a tragic motor vehicle accident while on his way to work at Bonnyville EMS.

    Alberta Health Services EMS Peer Support Project

    In January 2018, $500 was given to the Edmonton peer support team to sponsor their “The Other Side of the Hero” initiative which educated paramedics about PTSD and local support systems. Funds raised went back to the peer support team and Legacy Place.

    2017

    Becky Burgess
    The Alberta Help Fund donated $1000 toward a fundraiser for Becky who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The funds were used for an international trip in search of alternative treatment.

    Chuck Neher
    The Alberta Help Fund donated $1000 toward a fundraiser for an Edmonton zone paramedic who was seriously injured while off duty.

    Ryan Bruce
    The Alberta Help Fund was activated to provide relief funds for a Calgary paramedic who is critically ill after a toxic exposure while on a call. Nearly $10,000 was raised.

    Deacon EMS Scholarship Fund
    The Alberta Help Fund was used to support the Deacon EMS Scholarship Fund established in memorial of Doug Deacon. $1000 donated.

    2016

    Psychologist registry
    The Alberta Help Fund was used to support the construct of a registry of psychologists with a specialty in paramedic PTSD treatment. Read more.

    2015

    Greg Turner
    The Alberta Help Fund organized a fundraiser for Greg Turner after his tragic death on January 26th, 2015. Over $18,771.00 was raised for Greg’s widow Bridget and her two young children.

    2014

    Mark Manns
    The Alberta Help Fund raised $1000.00 for Mark Manns family after his tragic death on January 29th, 2014.