Return to Practice

Overview

Upon new certification by the Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program (SWORBHP), a Paramedic must maintain clinical activity to remain certified with the SWORBHP. Paramedics absent from clinical activity for a period of ninety (90) days are considered clinically inactive and are administratively deactivated. Extended absence from clinical activity can result from a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to) short/long term disability, parental leave, or any other approved leave granted by the Employer.

Return to practice (RTP) offers a Paramedic an opportunity to orientate to the clinical environment after a period of absence. RTP is required as per the current Ministry of Health (MOH), Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS), Appendix 6 and may include a consolidation phase as outlined within. This process will be initiated upon request by the Employer.

Upon new certification by SWORBHP, a Paramedic must maintain clinical activity to remain certified with SWORBHP. Paramedics absent from clinical activity for a period of ninety (90) days are considered clinically inactive and are administratively deactivated. Extended absence from clinical activity can result from a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to) short/long term disability, parental leave, or any other approved leave granted by the Employer.

Procedure

The following is the procedure we follow for conducting a Return to Practice.

Step 1

The Employer will notify SWORBHP in writing when a Paramedic is absent from clinical activity for a period of ninety (90) days by entering the date of the last shift worked by the Paramedic into the Paramedic Portal of Ontario (PPO). This can be completed in advance of the ninety (90) day mark if it is known the absence will extend that long, or once the ninety (90) day mark is reached.

Step 2

At the ninety (90) day mark, SWORBHP will confirm with the Employer that the Paramedic is still clinically inactive, and upon approval by the Local Medical Director or delegate, will administratively deactivate the Paramedic in the PPO. The Employer will notify SWORBHP at the earliest time possible when the date for the Paramedic to RTP is confirmed (at least five business days advanced notice is requested).

Step 3

The Employer and SWORBHP will determine a mutually agreeable schedule for RTP training/certification for the Paramedic.

Step 4

SWORBHP will provide any required pre-course materials to the Paramedic and the Employer once the training is confirmed. Materials may be in electronic or hard-copy format as determined by SWORBHP. Successful completion of all pre-course evaluations is required prior to attending the SWORBHP RTP training/evaluation day.

Step 5

The certification requirement for all Paramedics returning to practice after an absence from clinical activity is based upon the duration of the absence. The format of the training may include online training, virtual and/or in person sessions depending on the length of absence from clinical activity, geography and the individual needs of the Paramedic.