Local emergency responders spoke at a recent career fair in Estevan, sharing both the challenges and rewards of a career in emergency medical services and encouraging young people to explore training opportunities.
Estevan paramedics Brooklyn Heintz and Paige Bayliss shared what drew them to the profession and what keeps them motivated.
“I love helping people,” Heinz said. “Being an advocate—because lots of people get lost in our health system or just have questions unanswered.”
Bayliss echoed that sentiment.
“That’s a big part of our job, advocating for our patients, and I think that’s probably the part I enjoy the most,” she said. “I also enjoy cardiac calls—we see a lot of those in EMS, so that’s exciting.”
When it comes to the kind of person who would thrive in EMS, both paramedics emphasized the need for empathy, resilience and a strong stomach.
“Someone who does not need lots of sleep, has good communication skills, and just a will to learn,” said Heintz. “If you show up and you don’t want to learn, we don’t want you there because you’re useless. Empathy is a big key to our job—and lots of people don’t have it, and it shows.”
Bayliss added that compassion is essential.
“People that care—caring is a big part of it,” she said.
To address staffing shortages, the SHA has introduced several training options for aspiring paramedics. These include a two-week Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course, a one-year Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) course, and more advanced training to become an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP). The EMR course costs about $1,300, the PCP program approximately $13,000, and ACP training is in a similar range.
Heintz noted that additional financial support is available for those willing to work in the SHA's southeast region.
“We do have a bursary program. If you guarantee working back in our Saskatchewan Health Authority southeast, they will pay for your course. For how much money you take is how many years of service you need to provide back. If you decide to move, you pay them.”
According to the SHA website, the provincial government is offering about 58 bursaries, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to students and recent graduates of PCP and ACP programs who commit to working in Saskatchewan’s EMS system.
To qualify, candidates must:
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Be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a PCP or ACP program;
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Be eligible for licensure in Saskatchewan;
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Pass a pre-employment screening with the SHA or a contracted EMS provider;
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Sign a two-year return-for-service agreement with ground EMS in the province.
ACP candidates must commit to services designated for advanced life support.
For those unsure about committing to a full course load, SHA also offers the option to do ride-alongs for up to two months.
“If you like that, you can decide if you want to do the two-week course or the one-year course,” Heinz said.
Bayliss added that the EMR course is free if applicants sign a one-year return-of-service agreement with SHA.
“That’s a good way to start, too. Because if you do decide to go on to PCP, you go into it with a lot more experience. It makes PCP easier—and you’re already hired because you’re an EMR.”
More information about EMS training programs and bursary opportunities is available on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.