A Weyburn woman has completed her 18-month Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) course, one of the most advanced levels of emergency medical service (EMS) education in Canada, with the financial assistance of the Sun Country Regional Health Region Authority (SCRHA).

Jennifer Elias-White has been a member of the Weyburn EMS for nine years, assisting in the respective emergency departments at the Weyburn General Hospital. Now, with her ACP course she will be able to provide more treatment in an ambulance and other trauma situations.

"It was an excellent course, with a lot of hands-on experience that increased my knowledge in the skills necessary for my field," said Elias-White.

Her background and skills provided Elias-White helped her better understand the materials presented. "It was a lot of hard work," she said, "But I was determined to see it through, so that I could complete my paramedic training to the fullest."

In her nine years of experience, Elias-White advanced through the levels of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Intermediate Care Paramedic (ICP) to then graduated from the 18-month ACP course in December of 2006.

"Getting my certificate was the most rewarding aspect of the course," Elias-White said. "I have not had to use my skills to the maximum yet, but I feel better prepared to deal with real life situations."

"It is not just me who is there to assist the community," she added. "There is a well-organized teamwork between the city police, the firefighters, the hospital staff and my fellow EMS staff that ensure the safety of residents in the community."

Scott Thomson of Estevan also earned this honour. Charles Eddy, Regional Director of EMS Services for SCRHA, says that the two personnel are a great enhancement to the emergency care system in the region.

"They bring a broader skill, knowledge and practicing level of care to their work in the field," said Eddy. In practical terms, this level of ACP training qualifies these EMS personnel to give more medication or restart a patient's heart right in the ambulance before they reach the hospital.