About the Program

The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) is an important component of emergency health services. In this entry-level program, the student is provided with the foundations of patient assessment and treatments.

Graduates of the Maritime School of Paramedicine’s PCP program become an essential link in the "chain of survival" by providing pre-hospital basic life support and symptom relief medications to patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Unforeseen circumstances and the unstable nature of many patients bring graduates to consistently demonstrate a high degree of critical thinking based on sound knowledge, assessment and problem solving skills.

Building on knowledge and skill gained in assessment, evaluation and interpretation, graduates apply their knowledge and skills to formulate a provisional field diagnosis. They also provide patient management, in a timely manner and with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, through approved BLS, symptom relief and standard protocols.
PCP program graduates develop sound communication skills that allow for effective patient interviews, communication with family members and the public, and other emergency service personnel such as police officers and firefighters. Graduates ensure the continuity of care by communicating effectively with emergency department personnel, including nurses and physicians.

A strong commitment and dedication to the profession, along with a unparalled ability to show leadership with compassion, are among the chief qualities of graduates. Their sense of satisfaction in making a difference results from their strength of character and the knowledge that they are responding to each call with integrity and professionalism.