Canadian Paramedicine Response to COVID-19: Challenges and Innovations
Principal Investigator: Dr. Ron Bowles
Research Team: Dr. Ian Blanchard, Dr. Luc de Montigny, Jennie Helmer, Dr. Walter Tavares, Dr. Judah Goldstein, Dawn Ursuliak, Dr. Becky Donelon
Project Dates: May 2020 – October 2022
Project Funding: $75,000
Project Summary:
The Canadian Paramedicine Response to COVID-19: Challenges and Innovations project gathered, organized, analyzed, and rapidly disseminated critical information to support Canadian paramedicine’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews and surveys with key EMS informants, the research team identified challenges, innovations, barriers, and solutions for adapting practices to the pandemic's unique threats. The project also collected and shared vital resources, such as modified protocols, standards, and policies. Key findings focused on lessons learned and ongoing challenges, with results disseminated through online resource repositories, webinars, and other collaborative activities to ensure timely access to evolving strategies for prehospital emergency care professionals across Canada.
Partners: BC Emergency Health Services
Alberta Health Services
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Emergency Health Services, Nova Scotia
Ontario Paramedic Association
Paramedic Association of Canada
Outcomes and Benefits:
The Canadian Paramedicine Response to COVID-19: Challenges and Innovations project provided valuable insights into adapting paramedic practices during the pandemic by gathering data from EMS professionals across Canada. The project led to the development of multiple research articles that focus on knowledge mobilization and paramedic principles, highlighting the complexity of emergency medical services during COVID-19. It also offered recommendations for improving the integration of evidence in paramedic leadership, clinical practice, and education. These outcomes advance the profession and support preparedness for future public health crises.
Funding and Support: This project is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the College and Community Innovation Program (CCI) – Applied Research Rapid Response to COVID-19 grant, administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Project Status: Closed
