Ambulance New Brunswick has hired six full-time and 10 casual advanced care paramedics in Saint John, Moncton and Bathurst.
It’s part of a one-year pilot program. Health Minister Victor Boudreau says the goal is to expand the project to other parts of the province.
Boudreau says they’ve already been called on quite a few times this week and says the investment is already showing its worth.
President of Ambulance New Brunswick Matthew Crossman says the advanced care paramedics drive a rapid response unit to enable them to get to the scene, but it’s not meant for transportation.
When the ambulance shows up, the advanced paramedic then jumps in with primary care and goes to the hospital.
Crossman says the advanced paramedics are able to treat critically ill patients immediately and at a higher level until the ambulance arrives.