Emergency Medical Services Palliative and End-of-Life Care Medical Control Protocols
Alberta Health Services - Provincial Health Services
- Description
- This program has been developed to support patients and their families who have chosen to receive palliative and end-of-life care at home.
This service is for both adults and pediatrics. This service links primary and palliative care resources in the community to collaboratively manage patients in a symptom crisis. The service may be initiated by paramedics, who arrive in the home after a 911 call from the patient or family, or by a clinician, who has assessed the patient (in the home or over the phone) and determines additional support is needed on an urgent basis. Paramedics will attempt to make contact with the patient's home/palliative care team, and a palliative or EMS physician. The service brings an interdisciplinary team directly to the patient. The Paramedic and the clinician work together, with the patient and the patient's family, to provide care that aligns with the patient's wishes and Goals of Care Designation (GCD). If possible, and at the patient's wishes they will be supported to remain in their home. However, paramedics will provide transport to the emergency department, if desired or required. For further information see our website.
Key Provider: doctors (family, palliative specialists ED), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), occupational therapists (OTs), paramedics(Primary Care Paramedics(PCP's)and Advanced Care Paramedics(ACP's), physiotherapists (PTs), registered nurses (RNs), respiratory therapists - Eligibility
- Yes, This program is for both adults and pediatric patients who are getting palliative and end-of-life care at home, and in supported living sites supported by home care and/or other healthcare professionals. Treatments may be for the following palliative symptoms:
- pain that gets worse
- breathing problems
- delirium (confusion)
- nausea or vomiting
- bleeding
- Application Process
- Service Access: See below, Patients cannot directly access this service. Patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care in the community should access their primary or palliative care team, or 911, as they would routinely do if experiencing symptom crisis and require healthcare provider support.
There are no such thing as palliative paramedics or palliative ambulances. The program utilizes the ambulances that are in every community in the province.
Referral Process: No
Waiting Period: No,
- Web Site
- https://www.ahs.ca/info/page14778.aspx
- Languages
- Interpreter/Translation services
- Fees
- Fee: Yes,
The Government of Alberta provides funding to provide emergency medical services (EMS) to Albertans. Patients receiving palliative and end of life care are encouraged to apply for Palliative Coverage (administered by Alberta Blue Cross) so this paramedic service is covered.
Fee Reduction: Yes,The Government of Alberta provides funding to provide emergency medical services (EMS) to Albertans. Patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care are encouraged to apply for Palliative Coverage (administered by Alberta Blue Cross) so this paramedic service is covered.
Membership Fee: N/A - Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: N/A -
Other disabled access: N/A - - Topic(s)
- Agency Information
- View Agency Profile
- Last Verified On
- April 1, 2025
- Hours of Operation
- 24/7
