‘It takes a toll’: 200 paramedic vacancies leave Sask. EMS stretched thin

A vacancy of 200 paramedic positions province-wide is taking a toll on Saskatchewan first responders. Laura Woodward has that story.

Saskatchewan’s paramedic shortage is leaving ambulance services stretched thin as call volumes continue to climb.

The Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) says there are about 200 vacant primary care paramedic positions across the province.

The issue was discussed at the organization’s annual conference, which began Tuesday in Saskatoon.

“What we’re seeing is a huge increase of call volume, and not an increase of paramedics in the workforce to keep up,” said Jessica Brost, vice-president of the PSCS.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

The Saskatchewan government has introduced bursaries of up to $10,000 for students and new graduates who commit to working in emergency medical services - but Brost said attracting new recruits is only part of the challenge.

“Nursing, police and fire are paying a bit more and a better work life balance, and that’s just what we need to advocate for and bring that for paramedics as well.”

The staffing crunch comes as demand for ambulances continues to climb.

There’s been a 100 per cent increase in call volume across the province, according to the PSCS — with more calls for overdoses and suicide-related emergencies.

“It’s substantial,” said Steve Skoworodko, the owner of Wakaw & District EMS.

With fewer crews to cover the workload, longer shifts can become common.

“Sometimes paramedics are working 14 to 16 hours in a day. So it takes a toll on the paramedics that we have.”

The PSCS conference runs through May 14 at the Delta Marriott Downtown Saskatoon.