Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of Paramedic Services Week, May 19-25, 2024:

“Paramedics in B.C. are the unsung heroes of our communities. When you are in a tough spot, they are the ones who come running, ready to help.

“This week, we want to shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals – the ones who pour their hearts and souls into providing emergency medical care in every community across B.C.”

“I am thankful to our paramedics, our dispatchers, and our leadership team at BC Emergency Health Services for their exemplary work every day. We know every day is a tough and challenging day. You faced the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, overdose public-health emergency, and through it all, you have been exceptional, determined, committed and professional.

“Paramedics are a fundamental part of our emergency health services, ensuring medical care and transportation for people in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This year’s theme is help us, help you, and we are reaffirming investments into our emergency health services by expanding training programs, creating new incentives and increasing our workforce. In alignment with B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy and the Allied Health Strategic Plan, approximately $2 million has been channelled into the expansion of paramedic programs.  

“Training opportunities are aimed at helping students in the primary-care paramedic certificate program and emergency medical responders access advanced training. By increasing the number of paramedics and by expanding the scope of emergency medical assistance that can be provided to patients, people can receive a greater standard of emergency health services when they need it.

“This is also the 50th anniversary of the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and it is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come. Since 2017, spending in emergency health services increased by more than $475 million, reaching close to $1 billion in 2023-24. This increased spending has been enabled through targeted provincial investments in increased BCEHS staffing, training and mental-health supports, as well as investments to improve equitable access to ambulance services in B.C.

“To improve ambulance services, the Province, BCEHS and CUPE 873/Ambulance Paramedic of BC came together, working to strengthen the workforce, while ensuring they have the support they need, add more ambulances, improve response times and better support rural and remote communities.

“Together, we are transforming BCEHS – taking action and listening to the needs of paramedics, so we can make changes that best support them, and in turn, allowing them to focus on their patients.

“Today, I encourage all people across the province to join me in gratefully acknowledging the monumental contributions of paramedics and their care for people across B.C.”