A new training initiative is aiming to put more emergency responders on the front lines in rural Manitoba.
Shared Health has announced a sponsored Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training program now being offered in the Interlake, designed to help residents start a career in health care while strengthening emergency services in their own communities.
The program is geared toward individuals who excel in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and want to make a difference in emergency situations. Participants will receive practical hands-on training and, upon successful completion, will be offered employment with Shared Health’s emergency medical services team.
“Not only will this training give participants the skills they need to respond when seconds matter, but it also provides a clear path to meaningful employment in emergency medical services right here in Manitoba,” Shared Health said in a release.
Shared Health emphasized the important role EMRs play in local care and the qualities needed to succeed.
“Paramedics are skilled professionals who play a vital role in delivering pre-hospital care,” Shared Health said. “Success in this field requires a high level of professionalism, strong communication skills, empathy, adaptability, with a focus on teamwork. Those committed to serving their communities and prepared to respond in dynamic environments are well-positioned to thrive in this essential role.”
The agency said the initiative is also a step toward addressing staffing shortages and response times.
“The sponsored EMR training program is an initiative to expand the number of qualified paramedicine staff in the Interlake region,” Shared Health noted. “By providing this training in local communities, folks who pursue this certification will more likely stay and provide this care in those local communities, enhancing timely access to pre-hospital care in rural Manitoba. This sponsored EMR training program supports recruitment and retention by removing barriers to entry, creating local employment opportunities and building a more resilient emergency response system.”
An offer of employment is contingent upon certification from the College of Paramedics of Manitoba and the fulfillment of all employment requirements set by Shared Health. The EMR program offers an entry-level pathway into the paramedicine field and plays a key role in rural emergency care — providing immediate on-scene support, stabilizing patients and assisting advanced care paramedics.
For the Town of Arborg, which is hosting the training, the program represents a much-needed investment in local emergency health care. Mayor Peter Dueck said the community has faced ongoing challenges with ambulance availability and response times.
“In the past, the Arborg ambulance has frequently been seconded to other areas due to a lack of personnel,” Dueck said. “There appear to be plenty of trucks in the region but not enough responders. Response times in Arborg have been a significant cause for concern, especially since the region isn’t supporting our hospital emergency room and our ambulance is frequently being called to Highway 6.”
Dueck added that having the EMR training offered locally removes a major barrier for residents who want to pursue a frontline health career.
“The town is very pleased that this training is taking place in Arborg,” he said. “If people can take their training close to home, that makes a huge difference. It encourages local residents to step up and it strengthens health services for our entire region.”
Juliette Bergner, manager with Fieldstone Ventures and Lakeshore School Division, said the training reflects a “grow your own” philosophy that has long guided post-secondary and trades programming in the region.
“This allows people to study and train at home, then work locally,” Bergner said. “They do not have to uproot themselves or their families and incur extra expenses. It’s something that’s worked well for us in the past, and we’ve been working for over a year to make EMR and paramedic training accessible here in the Interlake.”
Shared Health is aiming to train 12 students in this first intake, with Criticare providing the instruction. The program will run three to four months and includes a return-of-service commitment. Depending on future demand, additional intakes could be scheduled to meet regional needs.
“There is already a program running in Brandon, which began in August, and this Interlake class will give local students the same chance to get started without having to leave home,” Bergner said.
Graduates will not only find work as EMRs, but also have a clear path forward.
“There is room for advancement to Primary Care Paramedic training or even advanced levels,” Bergner explained. “The EMR role gives them an opportunity to work alongside paramedics, see what is involved in the next step and decide if they want to move on. We’re hoping to build those pathways here in the future.”
Fieldstone also works with Workplace Development, First Nations bands and the Manitoba Métis Federation to connect students with financial supports.
“Once a student is accepted, we can help them access funding, housing and other supports,” Bergner said. “We try to connect the dots so people have what they need to succeed.”
Over the past 25 years, Fieldstone has partnered with groups across the Interlake to bring licensed practical nursing, health-care aide, teacher training, trades and heavy equipment operator programs to local communities.
“If there is an interest and a need, we will work to get the training here,” Bergner said.
Applications for the EMR program are now open, and Shared Health encourages those interested in a frontline career in emergency medical services to apply.
