Système canadien d'information paramédicale (SIPC)

There is a growing base of literature and research in paramedicine, however, the profession is still relatively under-researched, under-theorized, and only now starting to develop overarching frameworks describing the field. There is a need to capture and define the Canadian paramedic experience in terms of descriptive statistics and performance measures around paramedic incidents, paramedic patients, services, capabilities and communities that paramedics serve. The current absence of standards make it difficult to ensure that paramedics are adequately supported to accomplish their role. Developing a national evidence-informed standard directly supports a CPIS, which will advance the profession by making accurate data available for: • research; • improved operational practice; • informed decision-making and policy development; • paramedic health and safety; and • patient outcomes. Over the past 15 years, paramedics have developed expertise and taken on roles to meet a number of emerging gaps and needs within the community, including provision of care in non-traditional settings (e.g., industry, in-hospital, military, and community-based care) and in specialty units and interdisciplinary teams (e.g., HUSAR, tactical, CBRNE). Paramedic practice is rapidly evolving, driven by technology, better education, advances in patient care, and changes in paramedic capabilities (e.g., fitness for work, fatigue, PTSI). These trends present challenges for operators, employers, regulators, educators, and paramedics themselves as they work to explore gaps in their communities and identify what is required to fill those gaps.