Paramedics Recognized on Medic Monday

Press Release

September 29, 2025

Medic Monday is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the nearly 1,300 paramedics who serve communities across the province.

“I am proud of every paramedic across our province for their unwavering commitment and dedication to helping people in their communities during their time of need,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “Whether on the front lines or supporting from behind the scenes, thank you for the difference you make in the lives of people in your communities every day.”

Medic Monday, first recognized in 2013, takes place on the last Monday of September. It is an opportunity to give thanks and reflect on the critical and life-saving role paramedics play in the delivery of emergency care.

This Medic Monday also pays tribute to John Rossiter, a paramedic who on this day, September 29, 22 years ago, gave his life serving others during hurricane Juan. Mr. Rossiter was a dedicated and respected member of the paramedic community who cared deeply for helping those in need.

Along with responding to emergencies, paramedics work in clinical education, research, quality improvement and leadership roles and also work closely with other healthcare professionals to advance healthcare and support patients.

To improve the delivery of emergency health services and to support paramedics, the Province has:

• provided free tuition to paramedics who agree to work in Nova Scotia for at least four years following graduation
• supported efforts to streamline the licensing process to make it easier and faster for internationally trained paramedics to work in Nova Scotia
• recruited 29 internationally trained paramedics
• created new opportunities for paramedics by launching community paramedicine programs with Eskasoni First Nation and in Antigonish
• opened a new paramedic and provincial logistics station in Dartmouth that will serve as a central supply hub for the emergency health services system and support the emergency preparedness special operation paramedics who respond to wildfires and other serious or complex events
• invested in more interfacility patient transfer resources to keep paramedics ready to respond to calls in their community
• opened a new back-up dispatch centre
• invested in a new and modern computer dispatch system to improve operational efficiency.

Quotes:

“Every day, I’m reminded of the incredible dedication and expertise within our team of medics. They work together to deliver high-quality, patient centered care – whether it’s treating on scene, referring to alternative care or providing critical transport, Nova Scotians are supported by a system focused on the evolving needs of our communities. To all medics, thank you for your resilience, professionalism and expert care in times of need. This Medic Monday, I also want to remember John Rossiter, a paramedic who died in the line of duty. Today is a day to honour the bravery of paramedics with us today and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
— Matthew Crossman, President and Chief Operating Officer, Emergency Medical Care Inc.

“In the chaos, we are the calm. In despair, we are the hope. We run towards what others run away from, not for glory, but because we are needed. I’m proud to be able to respond and provide care to Nova Scotians when they need us most.”
— James McMaster, advanced care paramedic, Dartmouth

“After 17 years serving Canada in the Canadian Armed Forces, paramedicine brought me home to Pictou County and has given me a new sense of purpose over the last dozen years, allowing me to serve the communities that helped raise me. With inspiring colleagues by my side, paramedicine is humbling, gratifying work – every day brings new lessons and opportunities to grow and make a difference in people’s lives. Never stop.”
— Charles Lavers, advanced care paramedic, Nova Scotia Health, Aberdeen Hospital emergency department

Quick Facts:

• Nova Scotia’s emergency health system includes primary care, intermediate care, advanced care and critical care paramedics who work in a variety of roles and settings, including in single paramedic response units, community paramedicine, hospitals, emergency preparedness and special operations, with EHS LifeFlight and in the EHS medical communications centre
• in 2024-2025, Emergency Health Services (EHS) received more than 204,000 calls, an average of about 560 calls per day
• EHS is part of the Department of Health and Wellness and is the regulator of ground and air ambulance services in the province; services are provided by Emergency Medical Care Inc.

Additional Resources:

Information on becoming a paramedic: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ehs/becoming-a-paramedic.asp

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