Picture this situation; a few years ago, a hardworking paramedic from a rural community fell asleep behind the wheel after an exhaustive, long-hour shift. This unfortunate, and completely preventable accident took the life of a patient in their care. Such incidents have become worryingly common, with many of us having experienced nodding off while driving home from a lengthy transfer late at night, often resorting to pulling over for naps or frequently switching drivers. We are frequently confronted with the claim that our call volumes cannot justify 12-hour shifts. We beg to differ.

Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) urgently requires a modification in shift patterns to ensure the safety and health of our paramedics and patients. We demand a mandatory implementation of 12-hour day shifts and 12-hour night shifts across all Saskatchewan EMS sites. This change will not only improve response times within our communities but also reduce the incidence of burnout among our paramedics therefore improving retention to the profession. 

With these shifts, our paramedics will have increased safety and, in turn, the safety of patients will be ensured. Improved shift patterns will be a significant step in enhancing rural EMS incentives, recruitment, and retention, equating our services with the same benefits, pensions, and response times as city EMS. It would also provide more opportunities for community outreach and teaching, potentially inspiring the next generation of paramedics. As well as recruiting and retaining said next generations of paramedics that will get the same opportunities and benefits as the city paramedics. 

Let's not wait for another tragedy to wake us up to the urgent need for change. Let's improve our shifts for the sake of our paramedics, our patients, and our communities. Sign this petition to make a difference today.