Paramedic Services Week - Emergency and acute care

Today for Paramedic Services Week we cover paramedics’ foundational work: Emergency response and acute care. Though most people don’t really know all that paramedics do, responding to calls for help related to severe injury or illness is what paramedics are most widely known for. We often meet, treat, and transport patients – usually total strangers – who are living their most vulnerable and terrifying days. It’s what all that training and expertise is for.

We can’t do it alone, though. We count on you, members of the public, to help us provide the most urgent care to those who need it most. You help us by making the right call: Calling 911 for medical emergencies but choosing and accessing alternative services in non-life-threatening situations. We count on motorists to move over and stay well clear of paramedic vehicles while our emergency lights are flashing. We count on you to follow our instructions and give us the time and space we need to work quickly and safely.

You help us by staying vigilant, managing your personal risks, downloading What3Words in case we need to locate you quickly even when you’re in the middle nowhere. You help us help you by learning CPR and first aid. And you help us help you by volunteering for and supporting programs like Neighbours Saving Neighbours.