Community Paramedicine
In This Section
Community Paramedic Endorsement
The Community Paramedic (CP) licence endorsement was implemented to enhance existing community paramedicine practice.
The Community Paramedic competency profile builds upon the current competency profiles of Primary Care (PCP), Intermediate Care (ICP), Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP), and Critical Care Paramedics (CCP).
Only paramedics that hold the Community Paramedic Endorsement may identify themselves as “Community Paramedics”. Members who represent themselves as Community Paramedics but do not hold the CP endorsement may be referred to the Professional Conduct Committee for evaluation.
There is no restriction on practicing in the community without the CP endorsement, however SCoP members may only practice within the limits of their current licence level scope of practice. Paramedics working within the community must not use the title “Community Paramedic”; these practitioners should be described as Primary Care/Intermediate Care/Advanced Care Paramedics.
Community Paramedics must have initially graduated from an approved paramedic program (any level) or have met equivalent requirements and passed any mandatory registration exam(s). In combination with their previous education and licensing requirements, these practitioners are required to undergo supplementary education through an approved Community Paramedicine program to deepen their understanding of the unique needs of the chronically ill patients and their role in the delivery of primary health care services.
While much of the scope of a Community Paramedic exists within the current skills of the paramedic, the Community Paramedic has specialized knowledge and skills to provide care to chronically ill patients in a variety of unique practice environments. Formalized community paramedicine programs support more readily available patient care, including the potential for home visiting. Keeping patients close to home or in their community is important, as are strong health promotion and prevention programs.
Members currently working in this area who wish to practice at the CP full scope of practice require additional training and/or proof of competency.
To become a Community Paramedic, upload your proof of education to the Licence Endorsement area of the Member Portal and then contact the College by phone or email.
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