New coordinator role enhances support for medical first responders in PEI
Kenneth Ramsay knows firsthand what it’s like to be the first person to arrive at an emergency scene.
Ramsay has helped Islanders through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether stopping a severe bleed or providing lifesaving breaths, he has spent 21 years as a paramedic and 27 years as a volunteer firefighter serving his community.
Now, Ramsay is bringing that experience to his new role as coordinator of the Medical First Responder (MFR) Program, a partnership between Island EMS, PEI Firefighters Association and the provincial government. The program ensures firefighters have the training they need to provide emergency medical care to people before paramedics reach the scene.
“I have a personal interest in the program,” Ramsay said. “Over the years, while teaching firefighters to become medical first responders, I saw a lot of opportunities for growth in the program. I felt this was something I could make a difference in because I understand the program.”
Since starting this position in the spring, Ramsay has focused on building a strong foundation for the program. He is working with partners to establish an advisory committee, developing a new website, and supporting fire departments with day-to-day needs such as program resources and medical supplies, including AED pads, oxygen and trauma dressings.
His goal is to create greater consistency across the province and ensure fire departments are aligned with Island EMS clinical practice guidelines.
“Right now, fire departments each have their own approaches and processes,” Ramsay said. “I would like to see it standardized, bring everyone on the same page, and make the whole emergency health system work better.”
PEI currently has 35 fire departments and hundreds of trained medical first responders who play a vital role in emergency response, particularly in rural communities where they are often among the first to arrive and begin patient care.
“Often, they’re on scene before the ambulance arrives and providing lifesaving care,” Ramsay said. “I’ve witnessed many instances where medical first responders have brought people back to life from cardiac arrest before paramedics arrived.”
When asked what message he would like Islanders to know about firefighters who serve as medical first responders, Ramsay’s answer is simple.
“I want Islanders to know we will always be there for you. We will provide care to the best of our ability, and we will do so with compassion.”
Next steps include establishing the advisory committee and holding its first meeting before the end of the year to help guide the future direction of the program.
“The goal is to create a more integrated medical first responder program that strengthens coordination between MFRs and Island EMS,” Ramsay said.
The coordinator position is funded by the provincial government as part of its investments to strengthen the MFR Program.