Winnipeg paramedic receives prestigious award for work with at-risk populations in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service member Ryan Sneath presented with Award of Excellence at Paramedic Chiefs of Canada conference

Released: 9:21 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) member Ryan Sneath received the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) Award of Excellence in the client centered initiative category at the recent Paramedic Chiefs of Canada conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The award celebrates Sneath's efforts to ensure Winnipeg's most vulnerable citizens receive the community supports they need through the creation of the â�œAt-Risk Individualsâ�� intervention program.

The At-Risk Intervention is a way for WFPS to identify concerns and generate client referrals to the Emergency Paramedics in the Community (EPIC) program. EPIC works collaboratively with community partners and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority to ensure individuals have the appropriate supports in place to address concerns identified and reported by WFPS emergency crews during the initial 911 call for assistance.

â�œAs Mayor, I am proud that Ryan Sneath and the pioneering EPIC team work to build a stronger, safer and healthier community every day through their support for vulnerable citizens in Winnipeg,â�� said Mayor Brian Bowman. â�œOur Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service's important work embodies the compassionate spirit of our city, and makes Winnipeg a place we are all proud to call home.â��

â�œRyan Sneath and the project team have shown pride and determination in their work and they have demonstrated the true meaning of patient advocacy in every aspect of the program development and their daily work.â�� said Chief John Lane, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. â�œThe EPIC Program has been truly innovative in establishing paramedic practice in a non-traditional delivery model, and is most worthy of national recognition.â��

A photo of the award presentation can be found here.

Since the implementation of the At-Risk Intervention in December 2013, the EPIC program has received 755 patient referrals. The EPIC Program works with these patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate care to meet their needs. Once the needs of the individuals have been met, the EPIC Program continues to monitor the patients to ensure the interventions provided are sustainable.

The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada is a national forum for industry representation, a repository for EMS best-practices information, and an organization that supports and promotes EMS leadership development.