Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services has been a leader in the development of the Community Paramedic Program.
The Emergency Measures Committee recommended on Wednesday that county council approve guidelines for the program.
Chief of Paramedic Services Doug Socha told the committee the guidelines cover medical procedures paramedics perform in people’s homes in order to keep them home for longer periods of time.
There are new medical practices when paramedics consult with doctors.
The Community Paramedic program is 100% funded by the provincial government.
Warden Rick Phillips says the paramedics provide exceptional service every day.
“Police officers yes they’re there everyday but paramedics see it all. They see everything there is to see in any given situation. To be able to continue the work that they do is simply amazing.”
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson paid tribute to the paramedics as well.
“Our unit is one of the first ones to have this kind of guidelines so it shows us how forward thinking you guys are as an ambulance service and get the direction we need in the community.”
The committee also heard that the number of ambulance calls is up and the response times are down.
