President’s Message [November 2018]
Welcome to the British Columbia Paramedic Association. After over 44 years of paramedic practice in the province of BC, the time has finally arrived for paramedics to take control of their own profession. Professional Leadership, Clinical Practice Excellence, Higher Education, and Paramedic Research will form the basis of this non-partisan advocacy group. I’m proud to be a member of one of the most passionate, patient focused, professions in healthcare. I’m more proud to play a role in giving paramedics the voice of professional advocacy they have historically been without.
Moving forward members can expect the BCPA to advocate for improved education (for new and existing practitioners), improved clinical practice, paramedic practice research, and a self-regulated professional college. As part of this plan, members can expect to see EMALB approved continuing education material, future symposiums focused on clinical practice, advanced education program development advocacy, and paramedic driven research. None of this can happen without membership support. At this critical start-up phase I implore every member to take on as active a membership role as possible. The BCPA board will be seeking educational content creators, advisory board members in all areas of practice, research coordinators, and governance experts. The success of the association relies on the participation of the membership.
Paramedics spend their entire careers caring for the needs of others. It’s time to continue the exceptional care paramedics provide their patients by caring for the needs of the paramedic profession.
Welcome aboard everyone,
Ed Peters
