The province is taking another step to improve emergency care.

Over the next two years, up to 200 emergency medical responders will be trained, to partner with and help free-up paramedics, so they can get to 911 calls faster.

“The demands on our system and paramedics continue to grow and with emergency medical responders we are taking another step toward transforming emergency health services for Nova Scotians,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We have a world-class system in our province and the addition of these new team members will allow us to enhance the care Nova Scotians have come to expect.”

Those in the new role will be able to assess, stabilize and take patients to hospital, as well as work in an Emergency Departments offload area.

They may also work in teams of two to transfer low-risk patients who have been assessed and do not require medical care during transport, to allow more teams to respond to calls.

Emergency medical responders will receive three months of training which starts in March, be licensed and regulated by the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia and must pass a national exam administered by the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators. The first class is expected to be working by the summer.

To increase the number of paramedics working in Nova Scotia, a bridging program will be developed for emergency medical responders who want to become paramedics.