Managers at Parkland Ambulance are making sure to check in on staff amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. (Facebook/Parkland Ambulance Care)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Emergency Services

Paramedics working to deal with COVID-19 related challenges

May 11, 2020 | 2:48 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to nearly every part of day to day life.

For those working on the frontlines against the virus, like paramedics and other emergency service workers, the conditions have added another challenge to the job.

Kyle Sereda, president of the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics said COVID-19 has put paramedics in a situation where they are working in a more stressful situation on a more regular basis.

“We’re all on heightened level of awareness in relation to how we’re screening, the personal protective equipment we’re wearing — even our clinical practices are changing,” he said.

The college president explained the situation created by COVID-19 is also unique as it has been going on for a such an extended period. Sereda said this is different as in more normal times medics are working through difficult situations like natural disasters, for generally days at a time.

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“We’re starting to see how it’s becoming a bit more challenging,” he said.

Sereda, who also serves as Chief of Moose Jaw and District EMS, said the college’s role and mandate is to protect the public in how paramedics practice their profession. He added his organization is working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and others to ensure medics’ mental health is being looked after and supports are available.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance Care, said the service is making sure to make supports available to their staff.

“We’ve built in the tools within our organization and probably stepped it up a little bit, so that our peer support people are touching base, probably more regularly as much as they can,” he said.

Karasiuk said they are encouraging staff to reach via video chat or phone if they are in need. He added it is important for them to make sure the entire team is in good health, which goes beyond paramedics.

The COVID-19 measures are forcing an end to large social gatherings have also had impact, as there has not been the chance to have gatherings for workers. Karasiuk said the organization’s social committee has got to work to help put on virtual events to help keep everyone connected from the comfort of their own homes.

“This past Friday night, we all played bingo,” he said.

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Parkland Ambulance Care is also reporting they have been seeing a slight increase in overdose calls along with psychological emergencies. The increase in calls may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic but paramedics cannot positively confirm this.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn