What is the difference between an EMCA and an AEMCA paramedic?
AEMCA stands for Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant, a credential for graduates of approved college primary care paramedic programs that include training in selected Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills. Advanced Life Support means the performance of a controlled act as defined by the Regulated Health Professions Act. Prior to 1997, the scope of practice for paramedics in Ontario did not include symptom relief medications and semi-automatic external defibrillation. Graduates of approved ambulance and emergency care programs who successfully completed Ministry of Health certification were issued an EMCA (Emergency Medical Care Assistant) certificate. Following the change in scope in 1997, the title of the credential was changed to AEMCA to recognize the inclusion of symptom relief and defibrillation in the approved training programs and the provincial certification exam. If you hold an Emergency Medical Care Assistant (EMCA) certificate and wish to obtain an Advanced Emergency Medi
