Primary Care Paramedic - Fall 2026

You will be introduced to the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Your studies will focus on the basic organization of the body concentrating on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system.

You will study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will include the endocrine, immune, urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. You will also study the integumentary, skeletal and muscular system.

Your studies will help you to develop qualities that are important for paramedic practice (professionalism, leadership, reflection and communication). You will gain knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of paramedic practice, develop your communication skills (including conflict management) and learn the principles of critical thinking. You will also evaluate the importance of participation in continuing education and professional development. You will gain knowledge regarding ethical conduct for research involving humans and will receive the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) certification upon completion of the course.

You will learn how to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your studies will focus on personal wellness, maintaining a safe work environment, using infection control techniques and practicing proper lifting and moving techniques. You will also learn how to manage a variety of situations, including crime scenes, hazardous materials, and potential terrorist actions.

You will learn how to perform a scene assessment, obtain a patient history, acquire vital signs, perform a physical examination and incorporate this knowledge into a complete patient assessment. You will describe common challenges associated with bariatric and culturally diverse patients. You will be introduced to the principles of road ambulance and aeromedical transport. You will also be required to operate an ambulance on a public roadway. Upon completion of the course, you will receive certification from the Saskatchewan Safety Council for Professional Driver Improvement.

You will focus on the principles of pharmacology, medication administration, and fluid therapy, including intravenous access and initiation. You will study the fundamentals of pharmacology, including terminology, legislation, and medication classifications. You will perform mathematical calculations, including general calculations, metric conversions, drug dose calculations and intravenous rate calculations. Your studies will focus on medications within a Primary Care Paramedic’s scope of practice in Saskatchewan including the administration of blood and blood products. You will also participate in labs that will help you develop the skills necessary for responsible and safe medication administration.

You will learn the pathophysiology of common cardiac and respiratory disorders. Your learning activities will include 3-lead electrocardiogram interpretation, 12-lead electrocardiogram placement, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring.

You will provide care for common cardiac disorders, including vascular diseases, cardiac inflammatory disorders, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiac conduction disorders and cardiac arrest. You will integrate cardiac assessment, electrocardiograms (ECG) interpretation, and manual defibrillation into patient care. You also will be introduced to advanced cardiac therapies (including transcutaneous pacing and cardioversion). Upon completion of this course you will receive Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider’s certification from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

You will provide care for common respiratory disorders, including asthma, anaphylaxis, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Your learning activities will include oxygen delivery, maintaining upper airway patency and manual ventilation techniques. You will be introduced to advanced respiratory support therapies, including advanced airway management and ventilation techniques.

You will be introduced to the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also be introduced to the skills necessary in assessing and managing head and facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will learn the principles of extrication and rescue as well as how to integrate triage and multiple patient management into paramedic practice.

You will learn how to provide care for common traumatic injuries. You will demonstrate the assessment and management of shock, burns, fractures and soft tissue injuries. You will also learn to incorporate the skills necessary to assess and manage head, facial, thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries. You will be introduced to advanced life support therapies relevant to trauma (including indications for chest tubes and needle thoracostomy). Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) at the basic level.

You will learn how to provide care for common medical disorders, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, gynecological and obstetrical disorders. You will also learn how to provide care for neonatal and pediatric patients. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Paediatric Education for Prehospital Professional (PEPP).

You will study the collaborative role of the community paramedic and recognize the significance of utilizing community support agencies. You will be introduced to common laboratory procedures and diagnostic imaging and how to differentiate between normal and abnormal results. You will develop the skills required to provide non-urgent care to a home health patient (including catheter care and routine wound care) as well as integrate care for a palliative patient. You will also integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to geriatric population groups.

You will integrate communication, professionalism, leadership, knowledge of medicolegal, ethics and physical strength into paramedic practice. You will integrate approach, assessment, treatment and transport for a cardiovascular, trauma, medical and respiratory patient in a simulated setting. You will integrate care following Saskatchewan Paramedic Clinical Practice Protocols. You will also think critically while interpreting patient history and physical assessment as it relates to a patient presentation.

You will integrate care for common medical disorders, including, neurological, behavioural and psychiatric, endocrine and toxicological disorders.

You will study the pathophysiology and learn to integrate care for common medical disorders including eye, ear, nose and throat disorders. You will study the pathophysiology and integrate care for a patient experiencing disorders as a result of adverse environments. You will integrate care for common illnesses and injuries specific to the physically impaired and mentally impaired, including those that are non-urgent. Upon completion of this course you will receive certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA).

Your placement will allow you to participate in a clinical and/or field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). You will be assigned a practicing registered nurse and/or paramedic preceptor. Your placement will include participation in an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and a hospital orientation, a review of relevant policies and procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will practice patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements.

You will participate in a clinical and field practicum placement within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) with assigned practicing registered nurse and paramedic preceptors. Your placement will include participation in a review of relevant policies, procedures, and the completion of and compliance with required legal documentation. You will conduct independent patient assessments, using treatment modalities while utilizing ambulance and hospital equipment. This final field practicum will allow you to apply all skills and knowledge gained in the previous three semesters at the primary care paramedic level. You will work with less direction and intervention from preceptors as you progress towards independent paramedic practice. You will demonstrate and meet lifting requirements. You will demonstrate the various roles and responsibilities of the Primary Care Paramedic as outlined within the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for the Paramedic Practitioner of Canada.