Join one of the most progressive services in Canada, with a competitive salary and benefit package and a fleet of vehicle furnished with state-of-the-art medical equipment located in an award-winning new headquarters.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service has:
- Aggressive Advanced Life Support system
- Pre-hospital research initiatives
- Modern fleet of vehicles
- State-of-the-art medical equipment
- High-tech in-house training rooms
- Paramedic Tactical, CBRNE, Bike and Marine special units
- Use of rapid response teams for high-peak weekday periods
- Career advancement in full or acting capacity as a paramedic team leader, a clinical training officer, in our performance management group team or participate on special projects.
With 140,000 calls annually and specialized paramedic units, the Ottawa Paramedic Service makes it a perfect environment to practice the kind of pre-hospital medicine you were always trained for — and have always wanted to do.
Job Profiles
Paramedics - (Primary and Advanced Care)
Paramedics provide life-saving treatment and care for those facing life-threatening medical or traumatic injuries.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service delivers medical treatment for life-threatening medical emergencies including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory and traumatic injuries and covers an area of 2,796 sq. km.
Ottawa's highly trained paramedics form an integral part of the City's emergency preparedness team and are the sole medically certified providers of out-of-hospital medical treatment.
Communication Officers
Communication Officers (Emergency Medical Dispatchers) provide a re-assuring voice for those in need of urgent medical assistance.
Communication Officers are a crucial link for all medical emergencies. The smooth and efficient operation of the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) is highly dependent on the dedication, expertise and professionalism of the dispatch staff.
Equipment Supply Technicians
Our team of Equipment and Supply Technicians ensure all equipment used by front-line staff is maintained to the highest standard keeping front-line operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Equipment and Supply Technicians provide front-line staff with medical equipment that has been cleaned and maintained to the highest of standards.
Working under the guidance of the Equipment Controller, Equipment Supply Technicians ensure the daily processing of all front-line vehicles to maximize Paramedic Service resource availability and optimal response capability. Some of the Equipment Supply Technician’s daily duties include:
- Primary equipment and supply checks of front-line vehicles
- Routine and periodical deep cleaning of Paramedic Service vehicles
- Decontamination of medical equipment and vehicles
- Conduct preventative maintenance on medical equipment including stretchers and specialty rescue equipment
- Conduct testing of oxygen and suction equipment
- Occasional on-scene response in support of front-line operations
Requirements/Eligibility
Paramedics (Primary and Advanced Care)
If you currently hold CMA approved certification as an Advanced Care or Primary Care Paramedic, please view current job postings go to Ottawa.ca/careers and click on ”Current Jobs”.
There are three levels of paramedics in Ontario:
- Primary Care Paramedics are graduates of a two-year college program.
- Advanced Care Paramedics receive an additional year of medical education.
- Critical Care Paramedics undertake additional medical training over and above that of Advanced Care Paramedic.
Many colleges in Ontario offer the two-year Paramedic program where students learn all aspects of medicine delivered in the pre-hospital field. Courses are offered in-class and in-field practical sessions conducted in hospital and with a Paramedic crew. Many colleges have adopted a hybrid model to deliver the curriculum, making use of broad-based Internet instructional modules.
The overall program curriculum offers courses in biology, medical and traumatic emergencies, psychology and communication courses, pharmacology, physical education and vehicle operation.
Prospective students are required to demonstrate personal skills in leadership, dedication and possess infinite amounts of compassion.
Immunization certificates, up-to-date CPR and First Aid, a valid Ontario class F driver’s license and a police background check may also be required. Physical testing of prospective students is now required for most college admissions to the Paramedic program.
Primary Paramedic (PCP)
Paramedics must be graduates of a two-year full-time Canadian Medical Association certified paramedic program offered by a recognized post-secondary institution.
Students enrolled in a paramedic studies program learn all aspects of emergency medical assessments, pre-diagnosis and up-to-date medical treatment protocols. Programs of study include a broad range of courses in; biology, pharmacology, patient assessment, medical-legal issues, management of medical and trauma patients, and emergency-vehicle operation. Paramedic students must also complete 500 hours of in-hospital and in-ambulance training. This hands-on experience provides students with real-world opportunities that help the student to develop and hone various skills in a wide range of clinical settings under the direct supervision of paramedics, nurses and doctors.
Paramedics must then be certified to become PCPs.
Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)
Generally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in the paramedic field is required to qualify for training at the ACP level. The ACP program is 1 year in length and is considered a post-diploma program (1200 hours).
In addition to the PCP skill set, ACP providers are qualified to perform and/or use: advanced airway management including oral and nasotracheal intubation, laryngoscopy and removal of foreign body obstruction using MacGill forceps, mechanical ventilation, 12 lead ECG interpretation, synchronized cardioversion, manual defibrillation and external cardiac pacing, treatment of cardiac emergencies according to Heart & Stroke Foundation Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, needle thoracostomy, and administration of the following emergency medications: Adenosine, ASA, Atropine, Diazepam, Dopamine, Dextrose, Epinephrine, Furosemide, Glucagon, Lidocaine, Naloxone, Nitroglycerine, Oxygen, Salbutamol, Sodium Bicarbonate and other medications (drug list may vary from one service to another).
Some of the above are controlled acts performed either under direct order from a Base Hospital Physician or by Standing Orders (protocols).
Paramedic Applications
The Ottawa Paramedic Service can only accept applications from those with a valid A-EMCA certificate, those who are currently in the equivalency process (case-by-case) or soon-to-graduate paramedic students.
If you are a paramedic from outside of Ontario, please contact the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) for information on the Ontario Equivalency process. There may be fees associated with this process.
If you have the A-EMCA Certificate or will soon be graduating, the City of Ottawa recommends that you prepare for the testing by studying current provincial Paramedic Practice Documents.
Before Applying
The City of Ottawa will require applicants to provide the listed documents upon job offer. Applicants must be prepared to show originals and provide copies when requested.
- Valid Class F driver's license (or provincial equivalent)
- Driver's Abstract or Statement of Driving Record. This document, issued from the licensing body, must provide the following information: driver identification, license status information, Highway Traffic Act and/or Criminal Code convictions and any points accumulated within the previous 12 months. The abstract or record must have been completed no more than 60 days prior to the date of your written test.
- College Diploma for Paramedic Program (or a letter from the Paramedic Program Administrator indicating you will be completing the paramedic program will be sufficient until the diploma is received.
- A-EMCA Certificate (or a letter from the Ministry of Health indicating a successful mark on the exam until the certificate is received)
- Prior to the A-EMCA exam written in June, applicants must provide proof they are scheduled to write the A-EMCA
- CPR-Level C (within the past 12 months)
- Birth Certificate
- Police Record Check - please ensure this check includes a reference to your ability to work with the VULNERABLE sector (within 3 months of hire date).
- Your MOH ID card (for individuals currently working in Ontario).
- Proof of immunization (form to be provided by Ottawa Paramedic Service).
- Certificate of Completion OPPAT
PCP Paramedic Recruitment:
The information provided is to assist applicants with the Ottawa Paramedic Recruiting Process.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all required documentation as requested. Missing, expired or incomplete documentation may result in applicant removal from the Recruitment process.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service will only recruit for positions at the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) level of practice. Paramedics who are currently certified at the ACP level are welcome to apply for these PCP positions.
All paramedic service testing and subsequent RPPEO Base Hospital Certification will be conducted at the Primary Care Paramedic level of practice. Once successfully employed as a PCP by the Ottawa Paramedic Service, an ACP certified recruit may then apply for an internal ACP position through the internal ACP promotion process.
All applicants will be required to submit a valid certificate of completion from the Ottawa Paramedic Physical Abilities testing group upon job offer. Consult this website for dates, locations and costs: www.oppat.ca.
Ottawa Paramedic Service reserves the right to request original documentation at any time.
Stage 1 Written Evaluation
The written evaluation will encompass a variety of knowledge categories, which may include, but are not limited to The Ottawa Paramedic Service and its history, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical math, infection control, diversity, the paramedic profession and the most current version of applicable paramedic standards. Paramedic Practice Documents
Written evaluations will be available in English or French.
Stage 2 Multi-Mini Performance Assessments (MMPA)
The MMPA is a multi-station rotation that will encompass variety of assessments, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Performance assessments (situational scenarios)
- Mini Interview
- Skill station
- Quiz station
Stage 3 Multi-Mini Interview (MMI)
The MMI is a paneled multi-mini interview process. Interviews will be offered in English or French. Candidates will be asked to declare their preferred language (English or French) at the time of their registration.
Required Documentation: The Ottawa Paramedic Service Documentation Requirement Sheet and prospective recruit orientation dates will be distributed to applicants at this stage.
Documentation such as Vulnerable Sector check, Drivers Abstract, Health Status Report etc. take time to complete and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all documentation is current and accurate upon job offer.
Communication Officers
Interested applicants can access the job inventory for Communication Officer Trainees by viewing current job postings go to Ottawa.ca/careers and click on ”Current Jobs”. Please note the inventory is not always open and therefore you should keep checking periodically.
Communication Officers are initially hired as Communication Officer Trainees. Your first few days at the Communication Centre will be focused on orientation, information about your training, and familiarization with the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
You will then attend a six-week course (in Ottawa) administered by the Ministry of Health. Trainees must successfully complete this course in order to continue their training.
Trainees are then introduced to the Communication Centre live environment where they are matched with a Communication Officer Trainer who will mentor them for the duration of the training program. After six months of successful training, Communication Officer Trainees are promoted to Communication Officer status.
If you are considering applying for the Communication Officer Trainee position here is some key information about the position:
- Communication Officers work in a stressful but rewarding environment.
- The Communication Centre receives emergency calls, non-emergency calls and scheduled calls (i.e. patient transfers).
- Shifts are 12-hours in duration and rotate from days to nights every two weeks;
Required qualifications and skills:
- Grade 12 plus one year of post secondary education
- A minimum of four years experience in a customer service field (face-to-face or telephone)
- Oral, reading and writing fluency in English and oral fluency in French
- Able to type at a minimum of 40 wpm with five errors or less
- Ability to multi-task
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification
Resumes are screened based on education and experience.
Individuals who are screened into the process are contacted for scheduling of testing as follows:
- Typing - minimum of 40 wpm with five errors or less ($10 fee for this test)
- Language (Oral, reading and writing fluency in English and oral fluency in French
- CritiCall™ (Multi-tasking test administered on a computer)
Please note: candidates are only contacted for the next testing component if they are successful in the prior test.
- If successful in all three testing areas candidates may be invited to an interview.
- Subsequent to a successful interview reference checks are performed.
- If all components are completed successfully candidates may be offered a Trainee position.
Equipment Supply Technician
If you are considering applying for the position of Equipment Supply Technicians here are some key job requirements:
- Experience handling emergency type equipment
- Experience with the assembly and disassembly of equipment, preferably medical equipment
- Class CZ driver’s license (or provincial equivalency) and able to drive Paramedic Service vehicles
- Able to lift heavy equipment
- Work rotating 12-hour shifts
- Able to enter data on a computer
