SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department has added 10 firefighter-paramedics to their team after a private graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 5, recognizing the successful completion of their comprehensive training programs.
The 10 firefighter-paramedics were presented with their badges and battalion assignments after completing basic training in firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous material mitigation and fire inspections.
They are also licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics and certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic. Their training and experience have prepared them to operate effectively on high-hazard emergency scenes.
“Firefighter safety is a top priority at SFD and the best way to ensure that our firefighters can perform their duties safely and effectively is through comprehensive training. Over the past four weeks, our team of fire service Instructors have worked with the recruits to review their firefighter and paramedic skills and further develop the necessary competencies they need to execute their duties in the face of challenging situations,” said SFD Assistant Chief of Staff Development and Safety Anthony Tataryn.
“In 2022, SFD set a record of 21,848 incidents, a 55 per cent increase in call volume since 2018. The data in the first quarter of 2023 reflects the increase in incidents. Our firefighters do not just respond to fires; they are trained in a wide scope of emergency response,” said SFD Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.
“The growing number of incidents in our city puts added demands on our firefighters on the frontlines. So we must bring in recruits who are not only eager to respond to high-hazard situations but are also qualified in various skill sets. We look forward to their continued success at SFD.”
The new firefighter paramedics will begin their first shifts on Monday, May 8, and Chief Hackl expressed his excitement in welcoming them to the team.
