Challenges in Recruitment and Retention of Paramedics: Insights and Solutions in Northern Ontario

Title: Challenges in Recruitment and Retention of Paramedics: Insights and Solutions in Northern Ontario

Introduction:

Canadian aeromedical transport is the primary point of access to advanced levels of healthcare for rural, isolated, and Indigenous communities. Maintaining consistent staffing in these work locations poses a consistent challenge. Ornge bases situated in Northern Ontario servicing rural and remote locations are consistently understaffed more often than bases situated in Southern Ontario. The important role rural and remote ambulance services hold in the system of health equity necessitates the ability to consistently maintain staffing to ensure equitable access to care. 

Objective:

Overall, the study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the paramedic workforce in Ontario, with a focus on Ornge. It examined the barriers and facilitators in recruiting and retaining paramedics. The findings are valuable for enhancing workforce strategies at both provincial and regional levels, and guiding policy and practice in the field of emergency medical services.

Methods:

Research participants were paramedics from Ornge and other regions across Ontario, including Northern Ontario. A mixed-method study design was used. The online survey was used to gather demographic information and determine preliminary themes through short answer responses. To compliment the survey findings, 20 video-recorded interviews were completed with participants who opted-in.

Results: 

A qualitative thematic analysis of short answer survey responses and interviews allowed us to identify barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for improving recruitment and retention strategies. The main themes included:

• Recruitment in the North for Northern retention.
• Education pathways in the North to increase Northern retention.
• Having Northern roots, family support, and access to social services impacts decisions about Northern relocation for employment.
• Health Equity: recommendations to ensure equitable access to care for all people living in Ontario requires that Northern recruitment and retention is a priority.

Conclusion:

This study explored paramedic’s insights into recruitment and retention at Ornge, specifically in Northern Ontario, and highlighted key themes which would enhance workforce strategies and influence policy at provincial and regional levels. Recruitment strategies in the North, education