What does it take to be a paramedic?

Serious road skills and emergency medical training required, says Toronto Emergency Medical Services

Paramedic Ron Saunders in Bus 2 Sanjeev Wignarajah// The Observer

Do you have what it takes to be a paramedic?

Recently the media had the chance to test their driving skills and experience the rigorous driving tests faced by paramedics.

The adrenaline-packed event was held to promote Toronto Public Service Week, from Sept. 21 – 25.

“It is a chance to recognize some of the awesome public servants that look after us in the City of Toronto,” said Toronto Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Kimberlee McKinnon.

Not only do paramedics need to have their medical knowledge, they also need to be certified on the road to treat patients.

Paramedic Ron Saunders has been in the service for 36 years and gives advice to people interested in a career as a paramedic.

“If you are going into this field, your best bet right now is to become an advanced care paramedic,” Saunders says. “That’s your best chance of getting a job right now, right out of college.”

“A lot of people coming out with just a basic course, they can get jobs, but in a lot of cases there will be only part-time jobs, whereas an advanced paramedic, the demand for them is significantly greater.”

About this article

By: Sanjeev Wignarajah
Copy editor: Geremy Bordonaro
Posted: Oct 7 2015 10:28 am
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Filed under: News
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