Paramedics college wants increased authority

Paramedics in Alberta want increased authority over their profession, meaning more patients could be treated at home rather than in hospital.

"So we're not going to stop the emergent care of transporting those patients who need to go to the hospital but we are going to try to reduce the number of patients that we transport," said Heather Verbaas, with the Alberta College of Paramedics.

"And rural Alberta is another example of that where that can play a really big role and a huge help to the system."

Her organization is waiting to hear back from the provincial government on increased authority for the college under the Health Professions Act that would allow paramedics to set their own rules on care, and to discipline members.

The change could help ease pressure on hospitals by allowing such things as collaborations between paramedics and a nurse practitioner on scene. It would also allow paramedics to take additional training to specialize in certain areas.