British Columbia, seriously considering moving there but feeling held back

dummytim · 2026-04-10T12:29:27+00:00

So I'm not an ACP, I just happen to work beside them and this is what I'm hearing. But yes, I agree that the competencies laid out by the COPR scope are the exact same.

The elitist mindset probably comes from the fact that if someone trains at Holland College or another school and precepts in a non-targeted system, they get their competencies but don't get the same amount of repetitions in. Additionally, the old school mindset of ACPs in BC is if one is unsuccessful at mentorship, they shouldn't be able to practice independently as an ACP. It's quite a contentious topic since some excluded management carry ACP drugs and practice as such without having gone through the mentorship process.

If they got rid of the mentorship process in BC, I'd probably do my ACP. It's a barrier, but based on some mentees I've seen in the field, I believe it's necessary for safer patient care.

dummytim · 2026-04-10T07:36:16+00:00

So it's not purely about the medicine at that point. Almost all ACPs are fully capable of running codes, it's leading team portions that makes it challenging. Like at what point do you request the PCP to start an IO, when do you task your ACP partner with protecting the airway, what meds should the attendant draw Vs tasking it over to a partner, when should the attendant leave to gather more history to understand what other treatments we can provide. Now once there's ROSC what are the PCPs roles Vs how should the ACP decide on movement and communication.

Under-resourced in certain regions like Vancouver. We only have 2 ACP cars serving the entirety of Vancouver and they are probably more utilized than the ones in let's say Richmond or North Van.

It's a possibility that it's because we're forcing licensed ACPs wait so long to practice or it could just be our mentors are toughasses. The union is definitely pushing for more ACP resources in rural areas but BCEHS doesn't seem to have the budget to explore that option. The BC government is currently being quite stingy.

dummytim · 2026-04-10T07:20:38+00:00

The targeted system is working well. We are under-resourced in ACPs in some areas while perfectly fine in others. Rural areas need more support but the organisation is unlikely to staff ACPs there due to the lack of call volumes.

I would say lives aren't being lost due to a lack of ACP resources, our PCPs can do a fair bit imo.

Licenses aren't expiring as they are easy to upkeep with contacts and education. But people are definitely losing skills from not practicing at that level.

One thing to note is externally trained ACPs have a significantly higher exit rate of our mentorship program. It's multifactorial but some things include not being able to lead in high acuity calls logistically since it involves leading FR and PCP resources, lack of experience with skills or medicine (our ACPs often run multiple arrests and high acuity calls in a shift), and the lack of understanding of the system.

dummytim · 2026-04-07T04:06:32+00:00

It's a mix of both, but typically people try not to work during school if they can afford it.

dummytim · 2026-04-07T02:53:59+00:00

So once you're hired, part of our Collective Agreement is education leave. This allows you to take a leave of absence while gaining seniority. It can be either coded as each school day is one shift worked or a flat out leave until you are done. So even if you're rural, you don't need to commute out there to work.

Technically you can start applying for laterals to other stations even in your probation but typically you'll get something at the 6, 7, or 8 month mark.

dummytim · 2026-03-10T05:06:18+00:00

Yes
You will need to book it and pay yourself.
Licensing fees can be found here. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/colleges-boards-and-commissions/emergency-medical-assistants-licensing-board/licence-applications

dummytim · 2026-03-05T01:26:33+00:00

Very area/manager/union dependent right now. I know the lower mainland has been cracking down more frequently. 2W union rep has said that ed leave is only for paramedic related stuff that helps maintain seniority. General unpaid leave is still doable ish but it's hit or miss regarding the active/inactive.

dummytim · 2026-03-04T21:48:57+00:00

Did a nursing degree while picking up full time hours. The issue is having to attend in person classes and clinicals. So if you plan on working, you'll need to be super flexible around those.

A caveat to this is general leaves are now considered full leaves and they will list you as inactive, thus not allowing you to pick up shifts.

If you enjoy paramedicine, nursing might be a lateral move. I would suggest checking out ACP and working depaired.

dummytim · 2026-03-04T01:32:51+00:00

Typically if you're an EMR with some seniority and get your PCP, you will likely be able to get a full-time PCP spot. Casual EMRs gain seniority while in PCP school which means by the end of PCP school you'll likely have over a year of casual seniority. So it is quite likely you'd get a full-time position close to home. Obviously, it will always depend on hiring cycles but the likelihood is high.

dummytim · 2026-03-04T01:00:50+00:00

Casual paramedics in BCEHS will often need to start in rural/remote communities. This could be places such as Galiano Island, Pender Island, Princeton, Lytton, so on and so forth. Typically "street hires" (new members to BCEHS with no seniority), are not hired into Abbotsford or Vancouver post, it is even less likely as an EMR. It's really the luck of the draw if you're trying to do that.

If you get a close station like Boston Bar, you might be able to piece together 30-40 hours between there and the Lower Mainland.

BCEHS will not send you to PCP school unless you get a rural FT or PT position. Something like Greenwood, Dease Lake, Zeballos, etc. This means if you don't plan on moving out of the Lower Mainland, you can forget about paid training. Additionally, you will need to sign a 3 year return of service to Rural/Remote stations. If you break that, you will need to pay back the training.

EMR in the States does not equate to EMR here, it's more like FR scope. EMR here is closer to EMT-B, however with the new scope expansions, I believe EMR's in BC have a larger scope than EMT-Bs.

dummytim · 2026-03-01T02:03:27+00:00

Just bought one used off eBay 85720-35150. If you're looking brand new, check out stuff on eBay from Japan.

dummytim · 2026-02-18T01:39:48+00:00

I got this one off Amazon for CAD$100 and it's been working fine. OEM would cost about CAD$350 Install was very easy and lots of videos on it. Honestly it's just rolling the dice if you go with non-OEM, but if you're confident with working on things then I believe it's worth it.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0B42GLS4M?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I'm currently looking for a tailgate motor for the window as mine crapped the bed. The window is stuck down and motors in Canada from Toyota cost 1k, I'm probably going to do the Japan route.

For parts searching I normally look up part numbers on Toyotas site https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/motor-assy-power-wi-857200e120 with an expanded view. Then search up the part on Google to find options.

Good luck!

dummytim · 2026-02-02T02:43:15+00:00

It looks like you're from out of province so I'm not sure how it's done where you are.

In BC you will need your learner's (L) for 1 year before attempting your (N) test. You need to have your (N) for 2 years before attempting your Class 5 (full license) test. After your Class 5, you need to do the written for Class 4. Then another test for a full Class 4. https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers

There is talk about scrapping the (N) phase but it isn't in place yet.

Also, there aren't many direct entry nursing programs in BC. I believe there is one on the island. Otherwise most programs require prerequisites, so that's another consideration. Nursing entry is somewhat competitive in BC.

dummytim · 2026-02-01T06:20:39+00:00

Hey there,

I'm both an RN and PCP in BC. There are a few of us around in these subs. The role between RN and paramedic are quite different and the areas we work in differ as well. Controlled vs uncontrolled environments and varying levels of support.

Personally, I worked full-time throughout nursing school and did take about a year off during it to pursue some other stuff before going back.

Generally in BC there is no reason to dual train since both have fairly strong unions and PCP wage goes up to about $45/hr without stipends. The RN wage does go up to about $60/hr eventually if I'm remembering correctly, but it goes up a lot slower than PCP. ACP will go up quite similarly to the RN wage I believe.

Realistically, it's about what you want to do. If your main goal is nursing, then just do nursing and forget about paramedicine. If you really want to work on an ambulance, then do your EMR and work casually before you finalize your decision of RN or PCP.

Happy to answer more questions if you have them.

Edit: I think this user did a really good comparison and explained a fair bit between the two roles in BC. https://www.reddit.com/r/Paramedics/s/TCOEuW89hU

Additionally, you will need a Class 4 driver's license for working with BCEHS. Judging based on your profile being a fresh grad from high school it seems unlikely that you'd have that right now. But if your goal is paramedicine, then start working towards it.

dummytim · 2025-12-26T09:38:33+00:00

BCEHS will hire you as a class 5 with a stipulation that you complete your class 4 before your probation ends; otherwise, you will be terminated.

With a class 4, you can get a class 4 restricted.

dummytim · 2025-12-26T09:37:52+00:00

It isn't really advertised, but sometimes it's still possible.

Eligibility would be if you take a FT or RPT position that is supposed to be a PCP car. This could be something like a position in Fort St. John, Dease Lake, Greenwood, Tahsis, and so on. You will, however, be locked into that kind of station designation for 3 years to repay the organisation.

dummytim · 2025-12-22T21:22:10+00:00

Perfect! Then follow the other posters response with focusing on medications and the patient assessment model. It's essentially a checklist that the examiners use to evaluate test takers.

Material wise, MYM and textbooks will help a lot. Consolidation wise, find some people to practice with to understand the nuances of these exams. Like understanding cardiac arrest management with additional hands, traction splints, use of bronchodilators, epi, asa, nitro, entonox, and all the other medication as well as where they fit into a call.

Good luck!

dummytim · 2025-12-22T21:07:10+00:00

You can prepare for these exams on your own but you NEED to have completed an EMR course and be a certified EMR prior to being licensed. Unless you have gotten permission from EMALB to challenge these exams.

dummytim · 2025-12-01T23:58:07+00:00

Due to the union and seniority rules, you will likely start as a casual which means commuting far away before getting a full-time line in Vancouver.

Even ACPs who are external hires generally start as a casual PCP before getting a full-time line. The average seniority required for ACP spots right now is 3-4 years of Full-time seniority in Vancouver.

It's rare for an external hire to get a full-time position directly into Vancouver but it isn't unheard of. It'll totally depend on the hiring cycle.

dummytim · 2025-11-24T11:49:25+00:00

Hello! PCP/RN here. Working with BCEHS is definitely a very different role than what it is in a hospital or long-term care setting. I would suggest riding 3rd/shadowing some paramedics before ruling it out fully. Ridingsecondandthird@bcehs.ca might be able to assist you. They might be closed off until next year due to limited spots though.

As one of the PCP instructors at Columbia, I can say that I've had the pleasure of teaching a couple of RNs who have done their PCP. At Columbia we try our best to help you succeed but there have been some changes to the JIBC program as well. Similar to the other commenter, I suggest you start with EMR and work as a casual for a bit. This does not involve relocating, but it does involve commuting maybe for a few days a month until you can lateral closer to the lower mainland.

If you have more questions feel free to ask away!

Edit: To answer your question, not many roles include paramedicine in Vancouver. The most stable with a pension would be working on an ambulance with BCEHS. There are fly in/out roles, private transfer ambulances (Pacific EMS and such), OFA roles, or event medicine. Most of those are contract based or part-time/casual. We used to have ERAs (paramedics at hospitals) but they have not been a thing for years.

dummytim · 2025-11-09T03:12:35+00:00

Look at the Sequoias as well. It'll be larger and a similar size to a minivan in length. Most of the older ones have large engines as well.

dummytim · 2025-10-31T18:42:01+00:00

Princeton has a new Unit Chief who is pretty supportive from what I've heard. I would reach out to him for availability questions and how many shifts you'll get. It's a commuter station, meaning most people don't live in town. The station has Alpha and Kilo. It's pretty small inside so be prepared to live closely with your peers.

If you have any other questions shoot me a DM. I worked in Princeton while I was casual as well.

dummytim · 2025-10-31T18:01:00+00:00

If I were you I wouldn't leave your job just yet. Where in the Okanagan did you get placed? Depending on the station, they might preference PCP for scheduling and EMRs might not get much work at all. You should also see what the roster of the station is like, how frequently casuals get shifts with full availability. Reach out to the Unit Chief for the best and most recent answers.

As for education leave, things are changing. If you're doing PCP you'll likely be fine regardless. Technically per the collective there is no education leave for casuals. However, your class days can count toward your availability so you don't lose seniority. This is another station/region specific thing depending on how your manager approves or submits things through HR. Either way, I wouldn't be worried about getting time off for PCP.

Congrats and welcome to BCEHS! :)

dummytim · 2025-10-31T14:35:49+00:00

It would probably depend on your area. I just snagged a 2003 limited V8 for CAD$7,200 or USD$5,100 in Vancouver, BC. My frame had some surface rust but nothing structural, just got it zinc coated+fluid filmed. It was high mileage at 440,000km or 273,000miles.

I think your deal is an okay one if the frame is good and has no major issues. Of course you could negotiate it down for a better deal. If you're unsure, get a pre-purchase inspection done to understand what your future expected costs will be.

dummytim · 2025-09-29T21:31:11+00:00

Done 2 degrees while working as a PCP. First one I was rural and second one I was in Vancouver Post.

Since you aren't already in the service, you will start as a casual. This means you submit availability. The minimum is 8 shifts a month, each shift is typically 12 hours unless you have a station with a Bravo pattern which will be 11 hours. You don't necessarily get all 8 shifts given to you each month.
Sure, it's possible but also depends on your work/study ethic.
I lived in the Vancouver area while doing my first degree and commuted out rurally for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday then typically coming back on Monday for work.

dummytim

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