Texada Island will be going to an enhanced ambulance service.
According to a media release from the provincial ministry of health, Texada Island will be getting more permanent, regular paramedic jobs starting on November 1.
Scheduled on-call (SOC) is a new paramedic staffing model for rural and remote communities and is designed to address chronic staffing challenges in rural and remote communities, according to the ministry. The SOC staffing model was introduced to provide regular, sustainable paramedic work where 911 call volumes are low.
According to the ministry, paramedics will be provided eight hours per day of pay and assigned work, which may include community paramedicine work, 911 emergency response or other duties. In general, SOC shifts involve eight hours at work, and 16 hours being on-call, for three-day rotations, the ministry stated. On their workdays, the paramedics will respond to patients with medical emergencies during scheduled work hours and will also be scheduled to be on call for emergency response in their community for the remainder of their shift.
According to the ministry statement, SOC aims to provide rural and remote communities with: permanent paramedic positions, with guaranteed wages and full health benefits; more consistent emergency coverage and enhanced community services; and improved paramedic recruitment and retention.
This new staffing model will see the creation of 190 new regular SOC positions across the province.
“When we call 911 for help, British Columbians need to feel confident that help is on the way and that it will arrive quickly,” stated minister of health Adrian Dix. “The significant progress made by BC Emergency Health Services over the summer will ensure a more effective ambulance service for patients and families who depend on it. Better support for paramedics and dispatchers will help them do the vital work we count on every day.”
