EMR - Emergency Medical Responder

Are you interested in a career in emergency medical services (EMS)? Would you like to take a step towards being a Primary Care Paramedic or Advanced Care Paramedic? The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program is the first level of education and training for EMS practitioners in Alberta.
EMR is an excellent introduction to EMS and provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for students continuing on to Primary Care Paramedic programs in Alberta. It is also often a prerequisite for those seeking a career in the fire service.

Program Details

Program Dates

Important information regarding the EMR Program

Commencing 2022, EMR 2022-01, the EMR program curriculum and fees will include ESA’s Ambulance Operator Course. The program was developed by ESA to meet the Alberta College of Paramedics Professional Operator Course Objectives and Ambulance Operator Course Standards. The course includes instruction, assessment and evaluation in the academic and simulated setting performance environments. EMR 2022-01 and on will no longer be required to complete the APDOC corequisite.

ESA program dates and fees are subject to change.

2022 EMR Dates

Program Code - EMR 2022-02 (Part time/Weekends) - Tuesday, February 22, 2022 to Sunday, June 12, 2022

Application Deadline – Friday, February 11, 2022. Deadline has been extended to February 16, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Saturday, March 26 to Sunday, June 12, 2022, at ESA are from 0830hrs to 1630hrs

March 26, 27
April 2, 3, 9, 10, 23, 24, 30
May 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29
June 4, 5, 11, 12

No Classes: Easter Weekend (Apr 16 & 17) and May Long Weekend (May 21 & 22)

Program Code - EMR 2022-03 (Full Time) - Tuesday, March 22, 2022 to Friday, May 13, 2022

Application Deadline – Friday, March 11, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after March 11, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Monday, April 18 to Friday, May 13, 2022, at ESA
Weeks 1, 2, 3 & 4- Monday to Friday - 0830 to 1630 hrs

Program Code - EMR 2022-07 (Full Time) - Tuesday, July 5, 2022 to Monday, August 29, 2022 - Program is full

Application Deadline – Friday, June 24, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after June 24, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Tuesday, August 2 to Monday, August 29, 2022, at ESA

Week 1 - Tuesday to Friday (Aug 2-5, 2022) - 0830 to 1630 hrs
Week 2, 3 & 4 - Monday to Friday - 0830 to 1630 hrs
Week 5 - Monday, August 29, 2022 - 0830 to 1630 hrs

Program Code - EMR 2022-08 (Full Time) - Tuesday, August 2, 2022 to Thursday, September 29, 2022

Application Deadline – Friday, July 22, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after July 22, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Tuesday, August 30 to Thursday, September 29, 2022, at ESA

Week 1 - 4 - Tuesday to Friday (Aug 30 - Sept 23, 2022) - 0830 to 1630 hrs
Week 5 - Monday to Thursday (Sept 26 - Sept 29, 2022) - 0830 to 1630 hrs

Program Code - EMR 2022-08B (Part time/Weekends) - Tuesday, August 23, 2022 to Sunday, December 11, 2022

Application Deadline – Friday, August 12, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after August 12, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Saturday, September 24 to Sunday, December 11, 2022, at ESA are from 0830hrs to 1630hrs

September 24, 25
October 1, 2 , 15 , 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
November 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27
December 3, 4, 10, 11

No Classes: Thanksgiving Weekend (Oct 8 & 9) and Remembrance Day Weekend (Nov 12 & 13)

Program Code - EMR 2022-10 (Full Time) - Tuesday, October 11, 2022 to Friday, December 2, 2022

Application Deadline – Friday, September 30, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after September 30, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA

Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Monday, November 7 to Friday, December 2, 2022, at ESA

Week 1 - Monday to Thursday (Nov 7-10, 2022) - 0830 to 1630 hrs
Week 2 - Monday to Saturday (Nov 14-19) - 0830 to 1630 hrs - Sat in lieu of Nov 11, 2022
Week 3 & 4 - Monday to Friday (Nov 21-25) & (Nov 28- Dec 2) - 0830 to 1630 hrs

No Classes: Friday, November 11, 2022 Remembrance Day

Program Code - EMR 2022-12 (Full Time) - Tuesday, December 6, 2022 to Friday, January 27, 2023

Application Deadline – Friday, November 25, 2022. No further applications will be accepted after November 25, 2022.

Access to Self Study Learning – Will be provided at the mandatory orientation at ESA
Mandatory Orientation (First Day of Program) - Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 1700hrs to 1900 hrs - at ESA

ESA Classroom Sessions - Tuesday, January 3 to Friday, January 27, 2023, at ESA

Week 1 - Tuesday to Saturday (Jan 3-7, 2023) - 0830 to 1630 hrs -Sat in lieu of Jan 2, 2023
Week 2, 3 & 4 - Monday to Friday - 0830 to 1630 hrs

Program Goals

Graduates of the ESA EMR program will be proficient as per the Paramedic Association of Canada definition of proficiency, to the standards and competencies outlined by the National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP) for Emergency Medical Responder.
Staff, faculty, partners, and students of ESA will be provided with a safe and respectful working and learning environment.
Learning at ESA will be supported through provision of access for students to experienced, qualified faculty, and the support and guidance of professional administrative staff.
Achievement of proficiency will be supported through access to high quality learning materials and equipment, effective instructor to student ratios, and appropriate practical training environments.
Professional development of ESA students and graduates will be enhanced through ESA’s demonstrated commitment to patient focused, evidence-based EMS, modeling of a team based approach to public safety, and an established culture of accountability to ethical and professional standards.

The ESA Advantage

The ESA EMR Program is approved by the Alberta College of Paramedics.
Alberta College of Paramedics exam success rates for ESA students are excellent.
Low student to instructor ratios for practical training are maintained.
ESA instructors are career Fire Fighters, EMT/PCPs, Advanced Care Paramedics and Physicians.
ESA uses a case based program design.
Face to face learning is supplemented by online learning.
The ESA EMR Program is licensed by the Private Career Colleges Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Minimum 18 years of age
Transcripts of Grade 12 High School Diploma/ GED/ equivalent or post-secondary education. As of January 1, 2019, this must include- English 30, Math 10 and Biology 30 or equivalent.
CPR- dated within one year as of the first day of the program, accepted courses include- BLS Provider, CPR Level C or Health Care Provider
Standard First Aid Certificate- dated within three years as of the first day of the program
Driver’s License- Class 5 minimum.

Mature Students- If you are applying as a Mature Student, submit an updated resume and transcript that includes your highest level of education completed in English, Math and Sciences.

Application

To apply for the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Program at ESA, you must use the ESA application package from this website. There are two files to download near the top of this page. Click on:

Download Alberta Enrolment Contract EMR
Download ESA Application

It is the responsibility of an applicant to ensure an application submitted to ESA is complete:

Application is filled out and signed
Prerequisites are complete and included
Payment is included
Alberta Enrolment Contract is completed, signed and dated.

An applicant is not accepted into an EMR Program until a complete application has been processed and approved by ESA. This includes a signed Enrolment Contract (a copy may be included in application; original signed copy of the contract must be submitted to ESA before classes start at ESA).

Applicants will be accepted into the program until the application deadline or until the maximum class size of 24 is reached. At the maximum, students can be added to a wait list or select an alternate EMR program.

Mature Students

Mature Students may be accepted into an EMR Program at ESA.

If you do not meet the educational requirements, please contact ESA to request a Mature Student Application form.

Forward your completed Mature Student Application form to info@ESAcanada.com for review by the Registrar. You will be advised if you may proceed with an application to an EMR Program as a mature student.

ESA Fees

2022 EMR Fees - Effective for EMR Programs starting after January 1, 2022

Administration Fee: $125.00
Program Materials Fee (5% GST included): $550.00
Tuition Fee (including Registration Fee of $500.00): $2,875.00
Total EMR Fees - Payable to ESA: $3,550.00

2023 Fees

ESA fees are subject to review and will be updated by October 1 of each calendar year.

Payment of ESA Fees for EMR (2022):

First Payment for EMR - Administration Fee ($125.00) + Program Materials Fee ($550.00) + Registration Fee ($500.00 credited to tuition) for a total payment of $1,175.00. This payment must be submitted with the Application to ESA.
Registration Fee is credited towards Tuition.
Second payment for EMR - Balance of Tuition Fees $2,375.00. Due at the Mandatory Orientation at ESA.

ESA may only accept the second payment before the Orientation at ESA if the fee is paid by a third party such as a government agency approved by the Private Career Colleges Branch. Third party payments may be made as a single payment covering all fees before the program at ESA.

Refund of Fees

Administration Fee: Non-refundable.
Program Materials Fee: Non-refundable once Online Learning has been accessed.
Registration Fee: If the Enrolment Contract with ESA is cancelled within five business days of signing, the Registration Fee is refunded. After five business days, the Registration Fee is non-refundable.
Tuition Fees: The EMR Program at ESA is licensed by the Private Career Colleges Branch, Alberta Advanced Education. Cancellation and refund policies for the EMR Program are made in accordance with Section 17(1) Private Vocational Training Regulation. Any refunds of tuition fees depend on the percentage of training provided as of the withdrawal date and are listed in the Enrolment Contract signed by ESA and the student.

Methods of Payment: All program fees are payable to Emergency Services Academy Ltd. Payments may be made by cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Debit Card. Cash payments must be for the correct amount as ESA does not keep any cash onsite.

Funds may be transferred to Emergency Services Academy Ltd. by INTERAC e-Transfer using the ESA email address: e-Transfers@ESAcanada.com

Tuition Fees: Include EMR lectures and labs.

Online Learning: Students will receive an access code and course ID to access their online resources at the Mandatory Orientation.

EMR Fees provide accidental health and dental insurance coverage for students while attending ESA classes, off-site training and during practical assignments. EMR students are not covered under Workers Compensation.

Additional Expenses

Additional Expenses for the EMR Program & Additional Equipment Required

Stethoscope

Students are required to have their own stethoscope for the EMR Program. This is not included in Program Materials Fees nor supplied by ESA.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses provide eye protection during practical training involving bodily fluids such as blood. This is not included in Program Materials Fees nor supplied by ESA.

Watch

Students are required to have a watch for the EMR program. This is required for taking vital signs. This is not included in Program Materials Fees nor supplied by ESA.

Penlight

Students are required to have a penlight for the EMR program. This is not included in Program Materials Fees nor supplied by ESA.

Optional Expenses

Equipment is provided by ESA for students' use during the EMR Program. Purchase of suggested equipment includes:

universal scissors

Post Graduate Costs

The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) Exam

A registration exam is a requirement for most new EMR, PCP and ACP applicants for registration with the Alberta College of Paramedics. (The exception to this is those who are licensed in another province or have education or experience deemed equivalent by the Registrar.)

The Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) examinations are the approved registration examinations required of applicants applying to the general register of the College. (Please note: The COPR examinations now take the place of the former Provincial Registration Examinations. For more information, please see Changes to Alberta Exams.)

The COPR examinations are currently issued in all three currently recognized designations in Alberta:

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)

Information on the COPR Examinations

Information on the COPR Examinations can be found here: https://www.copr.ca/examinations/information-and-application-process/

COPR has many resources for exam candidates, including an Examination Handbook that includes information about the process, including: eligibility requirements, what to expect when applying for the exam, what happens after you apply for the exam, what happens on exam day and what to expect following the exam.

If you have any questions, please email Exams@ABparamedics.com.

The EMR registration exam for Alberta registration is now being offered by COPR. All registration for the next exam is being coordinated by COPR.

Click here for instructions.

Any COPR exam application questions should be directed to: coordinator@copr.ca.

The Alberta College of Paramedics Registration Fees

To practice paramedicine or use the title of paramedic in Alberta, all Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP) must be registered with the College and hold an active practice permit.

Alberta College of Paramedics registration fees are listed on the Alberta College of Paramedics website. abparamedics.com

Curriculum

Curriculum

Online Learning

ESA's EMR Program includes online learning which is to be completed in advance of the first day of the program at ESA and ongoing throughout the program.

Students will receive an access code and course ID to access their online resources at the Mandatory Orientation.

Program Hours

The EMR program at ESA includes twenty full-time days and 200 hours of instruction.

Program Hours:

Mandatory Orientation- 3 hours

The following information will be reviewed at the orientation:

Program Materials
Login information for online access to Google Classroom
Login information for online access to JBLearning textbook and quizzes
Pre Study material and expectations
Program Schedule
Mark weighting
Didactic requirements
Practical requirements
Fitness requirements
Mental Health requirements
Patient Engagement requirements
Driving Component (Corequisite)
Daily Expectations

Online Learning- Pre-Study hours - 32 hours

Students will receive their pre-study material at the orientation. Students must complete a pre-study assignment and an Anatomy & Physiology online course prior to the the first day of the program. On the first day of the program, students will submit their assignment and write an exam covering the pre-study material.
Students will need to complete online reading, chapter review and chapter quizzes.

Theory & Practical at ESA- 140 hours

Theory includes a combination of online learning and face to face lectures. Practical training includes scenarios, skill stations and high fidelity simulation.
Includes CPR recertification & ITLS Basic certification

Patient Engagement at ESA- 16 hours

EMR students will participate in high fidelity PCP scenarios throughout the program. Students will be required to assist in moving the patient, stretcher handling, obtaining vitals signs and patient history. Students will also be required to work as a team with other “healthcare providers” as well as develop a rapport with the patient.
Other options for Patient Engagement may include assessments on Fire or PCP students, interacting with clients at the Robin Hood Association or residents at Seniors Residences or blood pressure clinics in public facilities.

Fitness- 12 hours (minimum)

Students will be provided with a customized fitness plan developed by a professional fitness trainer. The fitness plan will include a variety of strength and cardiovascular workouts. Students will be required to complete and log a minimum of 12 hours of fitness training during the program, on their own time. Sample strength and cardio workouts are included in the EMR Google Classroom program. Students are encouraged to also engage in other physical fitness activities.

Driving Component - 40 hours

EMR Program Content

The following lessons and labs are included in the theory and practical training at ESA:

CPR
Automated External Defibrillation
Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to Pre-hospital Care
Legalities
Patient Assessment
Vital Signs
History Taking
Patient Management Simulation (Scenarios)
Pharmacology for the EMR
Medication Administration
Airway Management
Moving the Patient
Respiratory Emergencies
Cardiovascular Emergencies
Shock
Spinal Trauma
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Soft Tissue Injuries
Head Injuries
Chest Trauma
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal Emergencies
Neurological Emergencies
Seizures
Diabetic Emergencies
Poisonings and Overdoses
Burns
Bites and Stings
Environmental Emergencies
Obstetrics
Pediatric Emergencies
Geriatric Emergencies
Psychological Emergencies
Mental Health for the First Responder
Communication and Documentation
Aeromedical Patients
The Ambulance
Multi Casualty Incidents
Hazardous Materials
Vehicle Extrication Theory

Examinations

ESA Exams

EMR Essentials Exam
HSF - BLS Provider
ITLS Basic Provider
Midterm
Final Exam
Skills Evaluation
Final Scenario Evaluation

Alberta College of Paramedics - Provincial Registration Examination

ESA Graduates

Employment Standards

ESA is committed to providing a quality program that will produce a confident and competent EMR. Our graduates are employed by industry, ambulance services and fire departments.

EMRs work in all areas including rural and remote locations where they may provide the highest level of pre-hospital care. Many are involved with volunteer service organizations.

EMR is often a prerequisite for employment in Fire, EMS or integrated Fire/EMS services in Canada.

ESA Graduates

Recent EMR graduates are working for various EMS, Fire and industrial services in Canada. Many of our EMR graduates have also taken our Professional Fire Fighter Program or Primary Paramedic Program and with the two/ three certifications, are successful in their applications to work for large emergency services departments.

Employment places for ESA EMR graduates include:

Alberta Health Services, Alberta
Arctic Response Canada Ltd., Yellowknife NT
Associated Ambulance
CALA Safety, Lac La Biche AB
Calgary Fire Department, Calgary AB
Canadian Industrial Paramedics, Edmonton AB
City of North Bay Fire Department, North Bay ON
Devon Fire Rescue, Devon AB
Echo Medical, Safety & Training, Edson AB
Edmonton Emergency Response Department, Edmonton AB
Edmonton Fire Rescue, Edmonton AB
Firemaster
HSE Integrated, Whitecourt AB; Grande Prairie AB
Interhospital Ambulance Services (IHAS), Edmonton AB
IPSEMS, Nisku AB
Koala-T First Aid Services, Dawson Creek BC
Leading Edge Medical Services
Marmot Ski Basin, Jasper AB
Maskwacis Ambulance Authority
Mud Creek Medics, Rocky Mountain House AB
Rocky Mountain Medical Mobile Services, Edson AB
Scott Safety
Stantec Consulting Ltd., Edmonton AB
Strathcona County Emergency Services, Sherwood Park AB
Team Alberta Lacrosse Medical
Vegreville Emergency Services, Vegreville AB

If you are a graduate of our EMR Program and successful in finding employment, please contact ESA so that we can maintain current records.