What inspired you to pursue a career as a Paramedic, and what’s your journey looked like so far?
Ever since I was a kid, my dream job has been to become a firefighter. I did receive my firefighter certification in 2018, however, there were no openings at that time. To improve my chances, in 2020, I decided to go to school to become a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). It was this training that inspired me to pursue a career in paramedicine.
My journey began with Patient Transport Services (Stretcher Service of Manitoba) where I worked from 2016 to 2020. In that time, I also went to Vermillion, Alberta for my firefighter training, followed by the Primary Care Paramedic program with Criti Care in Winnipeg.
After successfully completing the national licensing exam, Criti Care employed me and I had the opportunity to work in Northern Manitoba, including places like Churchill and Snow Lake. During this time, I also worked for Rapid Response team and Alternative Isolation Accommodations, both being COVID-19 sites and isolation for patients. Later, I secured a full-time position for Fisher Ambulance Service in Peguis, Manitoba.
After a year and a half working for Fisher Ambulance Services, myself and about 50 other employees were laid off due to budget funding cuts. It was then that I had also received the news that I was unsuccessful in my fourth attempt at joining the city force as a firefighter.
How did you become interested in working in Medevac?
The opportunity arose when Perimeter was hiring a Primary Care Paramedic. Most airlines only hire Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) or nurses. So, when a PCP position became available, I took advantage of the opportunity and applied, where I was fortunate to be the one hired. Looking back, if it wasn’t for being laid off from my other paramedic job, or being unsuccessful as a firefighter, I never would have applied and been given this opportunity to work in aviation at Perimeter.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
Getting to be a part of a patient’s journey of transporting them to a higher level of care or being able to bring them closer to home.
Looking back on your career, which moment stands out as one you are most proud of?
Being hired at Perimeter Aviation would be one of the proudest moments of my career so far! When I was hired in August 2024, the “Ground Transport Paramedic” position didn’t exist. So, I had to prove that not only was the position worth it, but that I was the right person for it. I was hired as a casual employee at the time, and now I can proudly say I’m full-time permanent, and along with that, the position has grown to two employees now.
What advice would you offer to Paramedics who are interested in pursuing Medevac work?
Be comfortable within your scope of practice and confident working independently. The majority of calls we respond to in Medevac are single-provider responses, so having confidence in your scope of work will give you the confidence you need to be comfortable working alone.
