The province presented a total of 52 paramedics with long service awards between 20 and 40 years of service.
"We have always relied on our highly trained paramedics to provide expert care in emergencies," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine in a press release. "More and more, they're also taking an expanded role in our communities, working in teams to improve and expand the care available across the province."
Victor Murphy, of North River, was presented with an award for his 35 years of service, with Tatamagouche's Terrance Diggdon being recognized for 30 years. Randy Dean of Truro and Todd Mills of Truro Heights both have 25 years of service as paramedics.
Paramedics and others who have provided emergency health services to Nova Scotians for 20 years or more are eligible for the Paramedic Long Service Award.
In recent years, paramedics have taken on an expanded role in the health-care system. They now provide primary care in some communities, working alongside family physicians and nurses. In the Halifax area, paramedics work in nursing homes to provide care to residents through the Extended Care Paramedic program.
There are more than 800 Emergency Health Services paramedics working in Nova Scotia.
