The Government of Manitoba has announced the creation of a transitional council that will oversee and guide the transition to paramedic self-regulation.
The council includes emergency medical responders, primary care paramedics, advanced care paramedics and firefighter/paramedics, and public representatives that represent all geographic areas of the province.
Fifteen Manitobans will serve on this council that will guide the process of implementing a college of paramedics, including four MGEU members. These include Leah Braun, an emergency medical services superintendent from Portage la Prairie; Christine Greer, an MTCC dispatcher; Karen Martin, a paramedic from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and Marilyn McNeill, a paramedic from Pinawa.
“This announcement is welcome news for paramedics and something they have been waiting for,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “We’re looking forward to the development of standards and terms of reference that will ensure a standard of practice for both paramedics and patients.”
The council will also be responsible for recruiting the first registrar/executive director.