Anonymous social media post reflects concerns of P.E.I.'s paramedics, says union

An anonymous social media post about issues facing paramedics on Prince Edward Island is reflective of how some in the profession feel, says the union's president.

The post, which was widely shared on social media, mentions concerns about pay, access to vacation and potential changes to overtime.

Similar issues have been raised "for years now," said Jason Woodbury, president of CUPE Local 3324, which represents paramedics on P.E.I. 

"We really need to focus on retaining our paramedics here in Prince Edward Island because we're seeing an abundance of our paramedics leaving to go elsewhere for better wages, better benefits and better working life," Woodbury said.

There are about 190 paramedics working on the Island, but that number should be closer to 220, the union said. 

Wait times for paramedic services have also gone up, the province said.  

In 2015, the median response time for an ambulance in Souris was 10 minutes and 16 seconds during the last three months of the year. 

In the last three months of 2024, the response time was 23 minutes and 23 seconds. 

"There's issues within the systems and we need to really address them — and address them now," Woodbury said. 

Paramedics on P.E.I. are the lowest paid in the region, Woodbury said. 

In Nova Scotia, paramedics are paid three to five dollars more per hour with the same level of training.

The union's agreement with Island EMS, which currently allows for double overtime pay, is set to expire at the end of March. This has also raised concerns, as noted in the social media post.

Woodbury said the union will fight to keep the double overtime pay in place. 

Many Island paramedics often work long shifts of 12 to 16 hours without breaks, Woodbury added.