Winnipeg, MB - Today, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, and partners celebrated the graduation of 16 Aboriginal students enrolled in the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s (WFPS) Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) training program. This specialized training program was designed to increase the number of Aboriginal Paramedics qualified to work for emergency medical service agencies in Manitoba.
“I would like to offer my hearty congratulations to the men and women graduating today from the Primary Care Paramedic Training Program," said Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. "Your dedication and commitment to serving others in their time of need speaks to your selflessness and compassion. As paramedics, your expertise and life-saving skills are appreciated everywhere you may go to work, whether it will be here in Winnipeg or in your home communities.”
“As Mayor and Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Opportunities, I am immensely proud to congratulate the graduates of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Primary Care Paramedic Program,” said Mayor Katz. “It is my hope that what the graduates have achieved through their hard work and dedication will ensure they are looked up to as role-models for more Aboriginal young people our community.”
“I’m pleased to be able to attend today’s event and to be a part of such an important day in the history of the WFPS,” said John Lane, Chief, WFPS. “Over 30 years ago, I commenced my emergency service career as a Paramedic. I am so pleased that my leadership role in the WFPS has brought me back into closer contact with my paramedical roots. The daily rewards you will receive as you serve the public are immeasurable. I wish you all much success as you start your careers.”
The eight-month program started in October 2013, providing 16 Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 to 30 with 777 hours of classroom training and 288 hours of ambulance practicum time. Students also spent 60 hours in clinical practicums at sites such as hospital emergency rooms and the Main Street Project. An additional 28 hours of related course work was also required. As well, the program used Aboriginal role models and teachings from an Aboriginal Elder from the community to help encourage and support the students throughout their studies.
Prior to working as professional Paramedics, graduates will be required to write and pass the National Registry Exam as well as completing Manitoba Health licensing requirements.
In 2011, 14 of 269, or 5.2 per cent of WFPS Paramedics were Aboriginal, while the labour market availability for Aboriginal people in this occupation was 11.1 per cent. The Aboriginal PCP program was developed to assist the WFPS in reaching and hopefully exceeding the labour market availability factor.
Through the coordination of the WFPS and the City’s Aboriginal Relations Division, a number of community partners came together to fund and support this important training initiative including Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (the City of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy), the Province of Manitoba (Aboriginal and Northern Affairs), the Manitoba Metis Federation, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, First Peoples Development, and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
Since its inception and growth, Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (OAN), the City of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, has become a pillar of community development within the civic structure.OAN supports young urban Aboriginal youth in seeking and achieving educational and professional development and employment opportunities, both within the program and in the wider community.