January 12, 2023
About
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is an independent, non-partisan research institute, concerned with issues of social, economic, and environmental justice.
Context
Rural paramedics are stretched thin and underpaid compared to their urban counterparts. Difficult working conditions for rural paramedics are exacerbating recruitment and retention gaps and contributing to high job vacancy rates across this essential service.
The Manitoba Government commissioned an EMS review with recommendations to modernize paramedicine in the province. That review was released in March 2013, the 10-year anniversary is approaching . The Manitoba EMS Review is here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/ems.pdf Research is needed on key aspects of the EMS review implementation, particularly in relation to staffing, response times and unit funding.
Goals of this research:
● Document key aspects of the state of rural paramedic services, including staffing levels, wages, and response times, in Manitoba.
● Identify recommendations to recruit and retain paramedics in Manitoba, including closing wage disparities between regions, and strengthen the rural paramedic workforce.
● Make recommendations to strengthen public paramedic service responses in Manitoba based on key aspects the EMS review.
Contract responsibilities:
● Compare key aspects of the Manitoba EMS Review to the current rural EMS system in Manitoba (ie response times, coverage, staffing levels)
● Identify recommendations to recruit and retain paramedics in Manitoba, including closing wage disparities between regions, and strengthen the rural paramedic workforce.
● Make recommendations to strengthen public paramedic service responses in Manitoba based on key aspects the EMS review.
● Write the introduction and conclusion of the report
This work with be alongside the following quantitative data with a narrative description.
1.) Quantitative research – based on available data / FIPPA:
a.) Paramedic response times; Winnipeg right care arriving – data from MTCC
b.) Coverage – reach a certain area within standard
c.) Staffing levels – RHA annual reports 2021/22 – seniority documents;
d.) Wages compared regionally and to other jurisdictions – from CAs
Output:
Peer-reviewed report for general public published by CCPA Manitoba.
Skills sought:
● Graduate or Masters student in health or social sciences
● Knowledge of paramedic services in Manitoba
● Knowledge of health funding and governance in Manitoba
● Excellent public policy research skills
● Strong writer
Timeline:
First draft for review- End March 2023
Second draft for peer review – Mid April 2023
Final draft for layout -3rd week April 2023
Launch – End April 2023
Amount available for this contract: $4,000.
Please email Molly McCracken, molly@policyalternatives.ca with a statement of interest, resume and
writing sample asap.
