Paramedic Gilles Boudreau checks equipment in the back of an ambulance in Dartmouth. The high-stress job is very satisfying, says Boudreau, who has almost 14 years' experience working in ermegency services. (PETER PARSONS / Staff)

PARAMEDICS require a high tolerance for crisis and confusion.

"People react differently in crisis situations, sometimes because they're scared or they don't know what's going on," paramedic Gilles Boudreau said of his experiences in an occupation that is noted for its high-stress challenges.

As a paramedic with Emergency Health Services, Mr. Boudreau said he and his colleagues are regularly exposed to some of the more unfortunate - and also most impressive - aspects of human behaviour when the alarm sounds and the emergency response process unfolds.

The call could come in for a patient transfer, sometimes from emergency response aircraft landing at the Halifax airport, from a car crash, a fire, or just about any situation where people require assistance.

Emergencies can quickly put paramedics into a mix of situations that require skills dealing with pressure bandages, fractures, heart conditions and a host of medications.

Much of the work must often be done under less than ideal conditions, sometimes in a fast-moving ambulance, at the scene of an emergency, or in unfamiliar surroundings after a desperate search for a residence.

Sometimes people associated with a victim, or people stopping to offer assistance, can add to the confusing mix of signals the paramedics must sort through when trying to determine an appropriate and effective response.

Mr. Boudreau, who has almost 14 years' experience after beginning as a volunteer with the St. John Ambulance in New Brunswick, said paramedics must bring general physical fitness and excellent listening skills to a job that provides lots of satisfaction.

"It's always good to be able to help people out," he said.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Paramedics provide pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients and take them to medical facilities for further attention.

A Paramedic Level I may work as part of a ground ambulance crew, emergency department triage or dispatch communications. A Paramedic Level III may work as part of a ground ambulance crew, dispatch communications, ER paramedic or flight crew.

A basic life support crew consists of two Paramedic Level I's, while an advanced life support crew must have at least one Paramedic Level III.

Duties include lifesaving, pre-hospital care such as defibrillation, giving medications, advanced airway management and transport to a medical facility. Paramedics must also keep detailed documentation, be ready to testify in court and maintain ambulances and equipment. They often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

WHAT ARE THE WORKERS LIKE?
Paramedics work in a physically demanding environment and must maintain a high level of strength and fitness. Paramedics are often involved in highly stressful situations that require making accurate, rapid decisions that can greatly affect the health of a patient. Effective communication skills are essential as the paramedic must routinely interact with patients, family members, health providers and other emergency personnel, including firefighters and police officers.

Eighty-one per cent of paramedics are male and most are aged 20 to 35. Eighty per cent have a non-university certificate/diploma or higher.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 14 per cent
Cape Breton 26 per cent
Halifax 30 per cent
North Shore 21 per cent
Southern N.S. 9 per cent

WHAT TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
Working as a paramedic in Nova Scotia requires completion of a college, hospital-based or other program in primary-care paramedicine that has been approved by EHS or is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association.

To work as a Paramedic Level III, you require experience as a Paramedic Level I and completion of a program in advanced-care paramedicine.

Nova Scotia has an intermediate stage between Paramedic Level I and Level III - Intermediate Care Paramedic.

Since this level is not accredited or recognized nationally, EHS no longer accepts new registrants at this level, although existing paramedics at this level may continue to practise in Nova Scotia.

Besides training, you must complete an in-service personal care report to qualify for registration and hold a valid Class 4 driver's licence.

WHAT ARE WORK PROSPECTS?
Employment growth for EMTs is linked to the demand for health-care services in general. As Nova Scotia's baby boomers age, it can be anticipated that there will be a related increase in demand for EMTs. Most jobs for EMTs are found in ambulance services. In Nova Scotia, the ground ambulance system is regulated by the Health Department and managed by a private company, Emergency Medical Care, Inc.

Outlook: Fair
Employment in 2005: 710
Estimated average annual number of job openings for new emergency medical technicians: 22
Earnings in 2005: Averaged $16.75 hourly with a maximum of $22.

TYPICAL JOBS
Advanced-care paramedic, critical-care paramedic, primary-care paramedic, paramedic.

For information, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com