Cochrane District Plans to Recruit Australian Paramedics

In a strategic move to address staffing shortages, the Cochrane District Paramedic Service is considering recruiting paramedics from Australia. Marc Renaud, Chief of Paramedic Services, indicated that recent political changes in the United States and England have resulted in a surplus of qualified paramedics in Australia.

Renaud highlighted that a comprehensive three-year program at Monash University equips graduates with the necessary skills to work effectively in Canada. “They’re very qualified,” he stated, adding that a pathway exists through New Brunswick for these professionals to obtain the credentials required to practice in Canada.

The Cochrane District Services Board has recently approved plans to recruit up to eight licensed paramedics from Australia, contingent upon a two-year service commitment. Renaud emphasized the importance of local recruitment efforts, stating, “If we can’t find local staff, our primary method of recruitment is our local colleges.” Despite these efforts, he noted that the current part-time pool of paramedics is lower than desired, and he aims to ensure all positions are filled consistently.

Support for the initiative comes from local educational institutions, including Northern College, which applauded the Cochrane District Paramedic Service’s approach. The college pointed out that there has never been a better time to enter the paramedic profession in Ontario, especially given the ongoing availability of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.

Sarah Campbell, Dean of Health and Veterinary Sciences at Northern College, encouraged prospective students and their families to consider the long-term benefits of pursuing a career in paramedicine. “I encourage students and parents to really think hard about the savings that they would incur, long term, and the fact that they get a credential that is transferable to anywhere they want to work later in life,” she explained.

The next intake for Northern College’s paramedic program is scheduled for September 2024, with an anticipated class size of around 40 students. The program remains open to mature students as well, reflecting the growing interest in this essential service.

As the Cochrane District strives to enhance its paramedic workforce, the collaboration with Australian institutions and the support from local colleges may provide a viable solution to the ongoing staffing challenges faced by emergency services in the region.