Emergency Health Services

On this National Employee Benefits Day, we would like to take this time to recognize our dedicated benefits team who work behind the scenes. Moinuddin, Felicia, and Jeana manage administration of multiple benefits and pension plans, remain current with industry trends and legislative changes, and so much more! Thank you for your hard work and dedication! #EmployeeBenefitsDay

EHS Operations is wishing those celebrating a happy Easter. We are sending a special thank you to those working today to serve Nova Scotians in need. #Easter2021

We are looking for paramedics to join our team! Could this be you? If you are interested in a career in paramedicine, please visit https://paramediccareers.ca/ and find out how you could become a paramedic with EHS Operations. Deadline is April 15 apply today! #ParamedicCareers

Sydney, N.S. - There was a bit of luck involved in Allan MacPherson becoming a paramedic. But, in the end, it’s MacPherson who says he feels lucky to have been able to serve his community of Sydney for 34 years. There were a lot of great memories, a lot of challenges that were overcome and can be proud of, he said, a few days before he logs off his final shift on Wednesday.... I did my job, I’m proud of what I did, I was proud to be a paramedic. I’m proud of the fact it’s been elevated to a stature that is respected in every community. MacPherson was working at a local Sydney camera store 34 years ago when he suddenly was out of work. Luckily he had a friend whose father owned a local ambulance service and had accompanied them on several trips to Halifax in the past, so he was ready to step into a new role when a job opened up not long after becoming unemployed. At first it was just a job, I have to admit. And then, as it went on, you become comfortable with that type of job. We were so busy and doing so many things, that it just didn’t really sink in, he said. He used his love of communicating and connecting with people to his advantage, particularly helpful in an area of the province that he knew so well. The fact that the job comes with many ups and downs also kept him focused on the task at hand. The job has humbled me through the years. Just when you think you do something really positive and a have a positive outcome, you always have in the back of your mind, ‘okay, Allan, don’t get too cocky because tomorrow is another day and something very bad could happen’, he said. That always kept me in check. He says he’ll miss all of his colleagues, who he has been proud to work with over the years, but particularly his long-time partners, Victor Matthews and Michael MacKenzie. They were extremely positive in advancing my paramedicine career and my skills. I hold them in very high regard and I don’t do that very loosely, he said. Now he looks forward to the next chapter of his life, where he intends to spend time with his wife and son, Adam. My wife, Barbara, and I want to relax. She’s been very supportive over the years putting up with a lot of the effects of the job.

The manager of the local McDonald's dropped off food at the Pictou station last week. Paramedic Kate M. and her coworkers greatly appreciated the thoughtful gift! #ActsofKindness #InThisTogether

Over the past several weeks EHS and 811 Telecare employees still found ways to give back to their communities and deck the halls to bring the holiday spirit to worksites province-wide. As you celebrate today, applying the provincial COVID-19 requirements, please remember those working to keep us safe on the ground, in the air and on the phone. #ThankYou #HappyHolidays #GiftOfGiving

To all Nova Scotians big and small, gather around to hear members of the Operations leadership team share a special reading of, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This team has been hard at work all year supporting frontline employees. We know they are all bound for Santa’s nice list! #MyEMSDay #Santa

This year began with EHS Operations announcing an updated system patch and uniform shirt. As 2020 comes to a close, we also would like to share that Nova Scotia’s Bearamedic is also receiving a fresh new look! These therapeutic teddy bears are in ambulances province-wide and used as a tool to help comfort children (or anyone who needs it) during a medical emergency. #ParamedicsCare #BearamedicsCare

COVID-19 is in Nova Scotia. We know what we need to do to protect our home and slow the spread. Make no mistake, this is a fight -- but no one is in this fight ...alone. We’re all in this together. All 960,000 of us. Together we have the power to turn the tide. Act now to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia: www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus.

A heartfelt thanks to Pita Pit Canada for their generous donation to the EHS LifeFlight Critical Care team in appreciation for the exceptional work this committed group of professionals does every day. The crew were happy and thankful for the meals, which will surely provide them with the energy needed to continue assisting and caring for Maritimers. Thanks to the EHS LifeFlight Critical Care teams for continually being there for patients! #MyEMSDay

DYK? A cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same thing. Dr. Andrew Travers, EHS Provincial Medical Director, explains. #CPRMonth #SaveLivesNS

Members of EHS Operations’ Extended Care Paramedic Program get together every year to stuff stockings full of gifts destined for people in long-term care homes in HRM. This year they filled 126 stockings for three long-term care facilities, helping spread lots of Christmas joy for seniors in what was a very difficult year for many. #GiftOfGiving #ParamedicsCare

FACEBOOK LIVE - Today at 3 p.m., Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang will provide a #COVID19NS update. You can also watch on YouTube or at www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus.

Starting today, parts of HRM and Hants County have new gathering limits without physical distancing. These measures include sticking to a social group of no more than 5 people and keeping it consistent. Introducing more people into your group gives the virus more opportunities to spread. Be a #COVIDGuard. #COVID19NS To learn more: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/county-restrictions/ #COVID19NS

Throughout November and December, EHS is donating previously used AEDs to 38 Royal Canadian Legion branches across Nova Scotia as part of a four-year loaner program. Doug Cormier, president of Amherst Legion Br. 10 accepts the AED from Community Relations paramedic Ian Kennedy. #CPRMonth #ParamedicsCare #SaveLivesNS

Nova Scotians can receive #COVID19 exposure alerts directly to their smartphones by using Healthy Canadians' free COVID Alert App, available on the Apple or Google Play app stores. You can also download it at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/covid-alert-app/ #COVID19NS #COVIDGuard

The AED's automated voice prompts will tell you to shock the patient only if their heart is in a life-threatening rhythm. Remember to call 9-1-1 and follow the steps as instructed by the device’s prompts. Learn more at Savelivesns.ca. #CPRMonth #SaveLivesNS

If you have travelled outside of the Atlantic bubble for non-essential reasons, you must self-isolate upon your return. Follow these self-isolating guidelines and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. #COVID19NS #COVIDGuard https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

Thanks to Advanced Care Paramedic, Matthew Piggot, for sharing his experiences to highlight the importance of road safety.

The most important step in using an AED is turning it on quickly! After it is turned on, the device will guide you through the process with audio commands. #CPRMonth #SaveLivesNS