The provincial government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to licensing of first responders (FR) to ensure that all emergency medical assistants (EMAs) are examined to the same standards. Currently, training institutions or fire departments can administer the practical examinations for first responders. Local governments and their protective services branches are asked to provide feedback on the proposed options by September 30, 2020.
Effective April 1, 2021, training institutions and fire departments will no longer be permitted to invigilate practical examinations and determine pass/fail. All EMA First Responders (EMA FRs) will be required to complete EMA practical exams with or verified by a Branch contracted examiner. The Branch would like to hear from the training institutions and fire departments regarding the impacts of this change and which option best serves your community.
The options considered are:
Option 1: All EMA FRs are required to attend a Branch scheduled practical exam session. Practical exams are scheduled monthly in Victoria, Lower Mainland, Vernon, Cranbrook, and Dawson Creek.
Option 2: All EMA FRs that are within 3 hours of an exam location are required to attend a Branch scheduled practical exam session. Practical exams are scheduled monthly in Victoria, Lower Mainland, Vernon, Cranbrook, and Dawson Creek. Special exam sessions will be approved on the basis of examiner availability, location, and number of candidates.
Option 3: EMA Licensing Branch travels to all training institutions to conduct exams that are greater than 3 hours travel to an exam centre.