MOOSE JAW — Canadian Patient Safety Week ran from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 and two paramedics from the Medavie Health Services West (MHSW) Mobile Integrated Health Program in Moose Jaw were recognized as leaders in patient safety advocacy early this month.
Jim Madden was one of those individuals and works as an advanced care paramedic (ACP) with a community paramedic endorsement at MHSW in Moose Jaw.
“Well, it was surprising (to have been picked), actually, because (you’re) picked by your peers,” Madden replied when asked about his initial reaction to the news. “I was a little humbled but it was nice that I got it.”
There are two common types of paramedics: primary care paramedics and community paramedics — which Madden is classed as — and the main difference comes down to training.
Primary care paramedics respond to emergencies and typically provide immediate care, transporting patients to the hospital when necessary. Community paramedics, on the other hand, undergo an additional 18 months of training allowing them to provide a broader range of services within the community.
The work of community paramedics includes home care, mental health and addiction support, palliative care, and non-emergency services like lab tests and respiratory care. Community paramedics also collaborate with other local agencies to help prevent hospital visits and to address gaps in the health care system by meeting patients where they are.
The story of Madden’s career as a paramedic began at the age of 19 in Rosetown, Sask.
“That was my hometown. My family and good friends… were part of the ambulance service and the Rosetown Fire Department,” he said. “So, of course, I was around that environment all the time.”
Madden’s journey was further inspired by the ‘70s television show “Emergency!” that showcased the early days of paramedics in Los Angeles. Madden began his career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Moose Jaw in 1987 and became a full paramedic in 1991.
Madden still remembers having to study in Bismark, N.D., as there were no advanced paramedics courses available in Saskatchewan at the time. Today, the program is available through Sask. Polytechnic.
Paramedics play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those who enter their care. From the moment they make contact, paramedics must address both the physical and mental needs of these individuals.
To excel in the role, as Madden has, a paramedic must approach each situation with compassion and care in order to provide the necessary support during an individual’s time of greatest need.
For Madden, the most rewarding aspect of his career is the opportunity to connect with his patients on a personal level. He values the chance to listen to their stories and to learn about each one of them as individuals — especially those who feel overlooked by society or who may be struggling with challenges like mental health and addictions.
“Sometimes we’re there on the worse day of their lives,” he shared. “To help them through it and see a smile on their face — that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Although he still maintains that any one of his peers should have been recognized in his place, Madden’s nomination was a well deserved show of appreciation and acknowledges the work he does throughout the community.
He wished to express his gratitude for those who nominated him and, as well, MHSW Moose Jaw and the various agencies he collaborates with including the Moose Jaw Police Service, Moose Jaw Fire Department, and numerous mental health and addictions services.
“I just want to thank everybody. It was an honour.”
Medavie Health Services West is located at 781 High Street West in Moose Jaw.
