The role paramedics play has evolved out of a necessity in recent years, propped up by the pandemic.
Lanark County Paramedic Services Chief Travis Mellema says so too has their focus on mental health supports.
Their Community Paramedicine Program is an example of evolving responsibilities, which Mellema spoke to.
The program involves staff attending house calls primarily for seniors to ensure they’re healthy, and treat any minor issues instead of taking them to hospital.
Mellema says long gone are the days where a paramedics lone job is to wait for 9-1-1 calls to transport someone to hospital.
Story by Grant Deme
