Criminal record search results are examined on a case by case basis, with each offence reviewed by the BCAS to assess whether the offence impacts the ability of an individual to perform the role of paramedic.

Driver’s Abstracts are reviewed on a case by case basis to assess the impact it may have on an individual’s ability to perform the role of paramedic.

In select rural and remote stations there may be opportunities for ‘driver only’ positions; however, preference is given to applicants with an EMR or PCP license. To be considered for ‘driver only’ opportunities, you must have a Class 1, 2 or 4 BC Driver’s License. If you would like to discuss ‘driver only’ opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk at bcascareers@phsa.ca or phone 1-877-577-2227.

The Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) issues licenses to individuals who have successfully completed a recognized EMR, PCP or ACP training program.

BCAS is the employer of paramedics. The Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) is a Government body that oversees the licensing and examination of BCAS paramedics (i.e. issues licenses to BCAS paramedics). While there is a close working relationship between these two organizations, they are two separate entities.

For immunization as an Primary Care Paramedic the required vaccines are:

Measle/Mumps/Rubella x 2 doses

Tetnus/Diptheria primary series + booster every 10 years

Polio primary series (and one time booster if at risk for Fecal exposure)

Hep B series, plus lab work showing immunity.

Agencies that offer training programs recognized by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) for each paramedic license level are available on the EMALB website.

BCAS accepts applications from paramedics who hold a paramedic license in British Columbia and who are eligible to work in Canada. Information on the employment qualifications and the application process can be found on our website.

Questions regarding license qualifications can be directed to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB).

If you are interested in working only in BC, you may be eligible for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which offers accelerated immigration for qualified skilled workers and experienced entrepreneurs who wish to settle in BC and become permanent residents of Canada. For more information contact:

BC Provincial Nominee Program Office
800 – 360 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 6B2 Canada
Email: PNPinfo@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 604-775-2227 Fax: 604-660-4092

While BCAS does not have a volunteer program, those interested in pursuing a volunteer paramedic opportunity are encouraged to contact the St. John’s Ambulance Service regarding their Medical First Responder program.

The Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE Local 873, represents all of the paramedics, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, quality improvement coordinators and Regional Training Officers employed by BCAS.

Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) begin their career with the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) as part-time employees and are required to be available for a minimum of 8 shifts per month. These shifts may be a combination of regular shifts and on-call shifts. As PCPs gain seniority they have an opportunity to apply for full-time positions.

Most new BCAS paramedics are hired as on-call, part-time employees. On-call, part-time work varies depending on the community, so most employees live within easy access to the ambulance station. During on-call shifts, employees are required to carry a pager at which time they have the freedom to pursue other work and activities. When called out, pay increases to the full paramedic hourly rate.

On-call, part-time employees are required to be available for a minimum of 8 shifts per month where a shift is normally 12 hours.

The Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) issues licenses to individuals who have successfully completed a recognized PCP training program.

Yes, you can apply for a job as a PCP in more than one region. On the application form you will be asked to indicate the stations you would like to be considered for as opportunities arise. Simply complete a BCAS Application for Employment Form and submit it with the requested supplemental forms to PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk via email to bcascareers@phsa.ca or by mail to:

BCAS Careers
260-1770 W. 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 4Y6

Yes, you can apply to BCAS at the EMR license level and your resume will be considered for opportunities in communities that accept applications for EMR positions.

Currently, you can apply for an EMR position with the BCAS. If hired, you will begin an initial six month probation period in the location of your first job. When you obtain your PCP license, you will become classified as a PCP and can begin practicing at the PCP level at your current post. Once you have completed your initial six month probationary period in the location of your first job you will be eligible to apply for other PCP career opportunities within the Service. Please note that the six month probation period includes months spent practicing at both the EMR and PCP level.

As each BCAS region has different employment needs, situations such as this are reviewed on a case by case basis. You are encouraged to contact PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk at 1-877-577-2227 or via email at bcascareers@phsa.ca to discuss the opportunities that are available. Current opportunities may be posted under BCEHS Job Postings.

PCPs with the BCAS can pursue a variety of career options in the areas of training, quality improvement and Emergency Medical Dispatch. Additional career advancement opportunities include supervisory positions such as Unit Chief or District Supervisor, as well as specialized paramedic work as an Infant Transport Team Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, or Critical Care Paramedic.

BCAS accepts applications on a continual basis from individuals who hold a BC paramedic license. Information regarding the paramedic licensing process in BC can be directed to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), a Government body separate from the BCAS. To explore career opportunities with BCAS please contact PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk at 1-877-577-2227 or via email at bcascareers@phsa.ca or visit our website, which includes information on the qualifications, application process, and career opportunities for individuals who are interested in working as a BCAS paramedic. Current opportunities may be posted under BCEHS Job Postings.

Please contact PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk at 1-877-577-2227 or via email at bcascareers@phsa.ca to obtain the information for you.

Once you receive your BC paramedic license, BCAS will accept your application for employment. Information regarding the licensing process can be directed to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), a Government body separate from the BCAS. To explore career opportunities with BCAS please contact PHSA Talent Acquisition’s BCAS Careers Help Desk at 1-877-577-2227 or via email at bcascareers@phsa.ca. Current opportunities may be posted under BCEHS Job Postings.