Paramedics

Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs)

The Primary Care Paramedics (PCPs) scope of practice includes:

• performing semi-automated external defibrillation
• Oxygen administration
• Establishing an IV
• Cardiac monitoring
• Administration of the following Symptom Relief Medications:
  • epinephrine
  • salbutamol
  • ASA
  • nitroglycerine
  • glucagon and glucose gel

In addition, some services have started implementing non-opiate medications so that Primary Care Paramedics can treat patients that require pain management. These medications include ketorolac, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Also performing trauma immobilization, including cervical immobilization, and other basic medical care. PCPs may also receive additional training in order to perform certain skills that are normally in the scope of practice of ACPs (Advanced Care Paramedics), such as interpretation or transmission of a 12 lead EKG. This is regulated both provincially (by statute) and locally (by the medical director), and ordinarily entails an aspect of medical oversight by a specific body or group of physicians. This is often referred to as medical control, and is the role played by a base hospital.

Primary Care Paramedic - Autonomous IV (PCP AIV)

Additionally, PCP Autonomous IV (PCP AIV) are also certified to include the administration of both diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and dimenhydrinate (Gravol) by the IV route as per the ALS PCS ( ALS Patient Care Standards (Nov 2011).