Licensed with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Paramedicine (NSROP), the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) works within the Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia (EHS NS) system in the emergency response, transport and transition of care domains. 

Within the emergency response domain, the EMR attends to requests for service, mass casualty incidents and other emergencies to provide immediate treatment and transportation of the sick and injured to appropriate medical facilities.  The EMR will work with other healthcare providers and first responders as part of a team to deliver care to patients outside of the hospital.

Within the transport domain, the EMR may facilitate transport of patients to, from or between hospitals; to or from medical facilities for appointments; as well as transport patients to the hospital following EHS clinical team assessment.

Within the transition of care domain, the EMR will provide support and care for patients in the hospital who are still under EHS care waiting placement within the hospital.

The EMR may also assist with providing medical coverage throughout Nova Scotia at public events such as concerts, festivals, community events, etc.

Due to the nature of the position, the incumbent is in constant contact with the general public, therefore a high level of professionalism will be expected at all times. The EMR will also be expected to conduct themselves in a safe and discreet manner. Protocol and standard operating procedures will guide the EMRs conduct.

As an employee of EMC we are accountable to our patients and coworkers by participating in and supporting all safety related initiatives, as well as acting in a manner that fosters a culture that focuses on patient safety and a safe workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The position entails, but is not limited to the following:

• Determines the nature and extent of a patient's illness or injuries and other pre-existing medical conditions.
• Performs appropriate medical care in accordance with policy, procedure, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Prioritizes the safety of patient handling and movement following all safe work procedures. 
• Operate all system and company vehicles in accordance with Nova Scotia laws as well as all applicable Policies and Procedures and Safe Work Practices of EMC and EHS.
• Utilizes EHS NS ambulances and its equipment in accordance with the EHS NS fleet policy manual.
• Works closely with other emergency services realizing limitations and boundaries of those individuals and self, taking safety and training into consideration at all times.
• Provides receiving hospital staff with oral and written report of their observations and patient care provided. Also assist hospital staff if requested, to provide emergency treatment.
• Completes all work-related documentation as per policy within required time frames.
• Replace used supplies and performs equipment and system checks as per policy.
• Use personal protective equipment provided as required and trained.
• Conducts cleaning or decontamination of vehicle interior and its equipment in accordance with Infection Control Manual Protocols.
• Maintains reasonable on-going cleanliness of vehicle, station, and/or premises during scheduled shift.
• Practices good hygiene and demonstrates socially accepted customer service skills, when interacting with patients, family members, other emergency services, colleagues and with the general public.
• Maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality to protect patient and client personal and health information.
• Displays capability of decision-making and takes initiative as needed.
• Prudent operation of communications equipment and professional interaction with dispatch center within standard operation procedures.
• Performs other such similar, comparable or related duties as may be required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Successful completion an NSROP approved EMR training program.
• Pass the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) Entry to Practice Exam for the EMR.
• Obtain and maintain EMR licensure with the NSROP through completing any mandated continuing medical education.
• Thorough working knowledge of EMR essential functions.
• A valid Nova Scotia class 4 driver's license. 
• Mandatory Vehicle Safety Program training required.
• Driving experience in a similar environment is an asset.
• Experience operating larger vehicles preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of and proper use of available personal protective equipment.
• Effective oral and written communications. 
• Possesses interpersonal skills in dealing with people and working in teams.
• Demonstrates ability to exercise some degree of discretion and independent judgment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must successfully complete the Employment Physical Abilities Test (PC-PAT/OPPAT).

Physical Environment

• Environment involves indoor and outdoor work in possible extreme weather.
• Irregular working schedules involving shift work, casual relief and potential overtime as needed.
• Prolonged sitting/driving periods of time.
• Be able to work variable hours including weekends and statutory holidays.
• Will be exposed to patients with communicable diseases.
• May encounter violent patients.
• Prolonged noises from sirens.
• Will be exposed to traumatic situations.

Physical Effort

• Good general health and physical coordination.
• Good eyesight (or corrective lenses).
• Be capable of meeting the highly physical demands of the job such as sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, reaching, gripping, heavy lifting, push/pull, twisting, turning of neck, providing CPR, operating resources and moving patients over uneven/challenging terrain, etc.
• Effectively support and assist with the movement of clients/patients on various medical resources (e.g.  wheelchair, stretcher, hospital bed, lifting devices, etc.)

Sensory Attention

• Ability to multitask.
• Be able to react quickly and remain calm in difficult and stressful situations.
• Be able to understand, speak, read, write English to learn training materials, communicate effectively with the travelling public, and write reports.
• Sensory/perceptual demands along with good concentration.

Cognitive Pressures

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment.
• Emotional stability.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Possesses interpersonal skills in dealing with people and working in teams.
• Be able to demonstrate dependability and reliability.
• Have strong problem-solving skills.

Below lists all requirements required in your application:

• Eligible for registration from the Nova Scotia Regulator of Paramedicine. Visit: https://www.nsrop.ca/ for more information

• A NS Class 4 Driver's License or equivalent that authorizes you to drive an ambulance (provide a copy of both front and back).

• A copy of your five-year driving abstract dated within 90 days of application deadline.

• Criminal background check and vulnerable sector search dated within 90 days of application deadline.

• Proof of successful paramedic physical abilities testing (PC-PAT/OPPAT) that has been completed in the last 12 months.

• CEVO ® 4 or 5 - online driving safety course. For more information: http://coachingsystems.com/product/cevo-5-ambulance-online/.

• Resume, Cover Letter and 3 References (references will be conducted online).

The pre-screening session will consist of the following:

• Panel interview

EMC's next EMR orientation begins August 5, 2025. Please apply by July 6, 2025 to be considered for the August orientation. Please reach out to paramedicapplications@emci.ca if you have any questions regarding your application.