Paramedic Credentials and Levels of Care

BCEHS paramedics provide different levels of care, based on their training and role. Here's a clear overview of what each level means.

 

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  • Emergency medical responder (EMR)
    EMRs provide basic, life-saving emergency medical care.
  • Primary care paramedic (PCP)
    PCPs provide more advanced care than EMRs. Most paramedics in BC are PCPs, and they respond to most 911 calls.
  • Community paramedic
    Community paramedics are trained at the PCP-IV level or higher. They provide planned, non-emergency care and work as part of an integrated health care team.
  • Advanced care paramedic (ACP)
    ACPs specialize in advanced medical and trauma care, with a strong focus on advanced cardiac resuscitation.
  • Critical care paramedic (CCP)
    CCPs provide the highest level of paramedic care. They focus on critical patient transfers between facilities, air medical response, and care for infant, children and perinatal patients.
  • Paramedic specialist
    Paramedic specialists are advanced care or critical care paramedics. They provide on-scene support for high-risk situations and complex or mass-casualty events, as well as phone support for paramedics and patients.