HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. - The union representing paramedics across British Columbia is welcoming the posting of 30 full-time community paramedic positions across the province, including in Hudson’s Hope and Fort Nelson.
The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (APBC), CUPE 873, said the new positions announced by BC Emergency Health Services are an important step toward strengthening healthcare services in communities, particularly in rural and remote areas.
According to the union, many of the positions have been vacant for years. APBC says the postings follow months of advocacy and collaboration with BCEHS aimed at preserving and strengthening the community paramedic program.
The announcement comes less than two months after concerns emerged about significant reductions to the program and the potential loss of community paramedic services in parts of the province.
APBC says a Memorandum of Agreement reached with BCEHS helped secure the future of the program and laid the groundwork for the new postings.
“We’ve advocated strongly for this program because our members see the difference it makes in their communities,” said APBC President Jason Jackson.
Community paramedics work outside traditional emergency response roles, helping people manage chronic health conditions, access preventative care and stay connected with healthcare services.
The union says they also support emergency response by attending appropriate 911 calls.
Among the communities receiving posted positions are Hudson’s Hope and Fort Nelson, along with several other rural and remote communities across northern, interior, coastal and island regions of British Columbia.
APBC says it will continue working with BCEHS to fill the positions and expand community paramedicine services in the years ahead.