Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) proudly celebrates Winnipeg paramedics during Paramedic Services Week, an annual awareness week that kicked off today. This year’s theme is Pandemic: Paramedics on the Front Line.
“We are incredibly grateful to our paramedics for their continued hard work, compassion and service to our city, all of which has been even more apparent during these extraordinary times,” said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane. “WFPS paramedics have quickly adapted to evolving safety and patient care protocols as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we thank them for their commitment.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WFPS paramedics have adapted to protocol changes that include the following:
- Increased personal protective equipment (PPE) procedures and training
- Additional sanitization and cleaning protocols for ambulances
- The use of the MSA Advantage respirator instead of N95 masks to free up N95 masks for other front line workers
- Use of the Primary Treatment Response Vehicle (PTRS), an SUV model first used during the H1N1 pandemic, which allows paramedics to treat patients in their homes if they do not require transport to hospital for care
The WFPS employs over 700 licensed paramedics who provide care to Winnipeg residents in dynamic conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. In addition to front line paramedics, the WFPS also thanks the service’s paramedic training staff for their commitment and support.