SHA announces new paramedic treatment and referral pilot project

To ease pressure on emergency rooms in Saskatchewan, paramedics will soon consult a physician virtually to determine whether a patient can be released or referred for further care as part of a pilot program.

On Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced it will launch the EMS Treatment and Referral pilot project in Saskatoon.

The intent of the program and its expansion of practice for paramedics is to provide “adequate, timely care” while also keeping patients out of the ER waiting room, the SHA said in a media release.

Only adult patients will be included in the pilot at this time.

“Paramedics have the front-line assessment skills through education and experience to safely treat specific urgent conditions in a patient’s home setting,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in the release.

“By further empowering our frontline health-care workers with innovative and flexible options, we are able to better address patient needs and alleviate emergency room pressures.”

The pilot will focus on six procedures to start, including hypoglycemia, heat illness, mild to moderate allergic reactions with dissipating symptoms, falls, minor lacerations or abrasions without active bleeding and influenza-like illness.

“We are looking forward to the positive impact this new process will have on patient care,” Rod MacKenzie, the SHA’s executive director of provincial services-community care, said in the release. “This is a great opportunity to better address patient needs while reducing delays for EMS and our hospitals.”

The project will take place over the next six to 12 months with help from Medavie Health Services West.

The goal is to expand the pilot through a phased approach to Regina and additional ambulance services.