​Four Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) AirEvac paramedics from BC Ambulance Service were the first to successfully complete a province-wide training upgrade this fall, as part of an initiative to ensure BCAS paramedics meet the National Occupational Competency Profile requirements for Critical Care Paramedics (CCPs) and the standards for the new BCAS CCP training program.

On October 29, Vancouver based paramedics Andrew Brownlow, Howard Peet, Rob Schlamp and Ryan Shellborn were upgraded from ACP AirEvac designations to CCPs with full Schedule 2 endorsements. The Schedule 2 indicates the scope of practice for CCPs in British Columbia and the endorsement is now an Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) requirement for current graduates of the CCP program.

“The EMALB has phased out the ACP AirEvac designation and is replacing it with the full Schedule 2 endorsement,” explained BCAS Director, Clinical Education Drew Burgwin, who notes that all current and future CCP graduates are eligible for the full Schedule 2. “This change represents a positive step for BCAS, as all our paramedics will now meet or exceed National Occupational Competency Profile requirements for the CCP designation.”

The new endorsement highlights just how far BCAS’ training program has come. CCP training used to consist of a two week course with paramedics pursuing their endorsement when they felt ready. Today, in collaboration with partners such as Provincial Programs, physicians, hospitals and the British Columbia Institute of Technology, BCAS offers online training, face-to-face education, skill development using human patient simulation, a mentorship program and continuing education opportunities through case reviews and discussions.

The EMALB’s formal recognition of BCAS’ CCP training through the new Schedule 2 endorsement is an excellent reflection of the progress made in this area.