Emergency Medical Attendants (EMAs) provide immediate medical care and transportation to patients in emergency situations across Department of National Defence facilities and operations. As a member of the Emergency Medical Services team, you will respond to medical emergencies, assess patient conditions, and deliver life-saving interventions while maintaining calm and professionalism in high-pressure environments. Your role is critical to protecting the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees.
Your daily responsibilities include responding to emergency calls, performing patient assessments and emergency medical interventions, operating and maintaining ambulances and medical equipment, documenting patient care records, and coordinating with other emergency responders and healthcare professionals. You will work as part of a team environment, often in challenging conditions, and must maintain the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality.
Emergency Medical Attendants in the DND civilian workforce typically work at Canadian Armed Forces bases, training facilities, and operational locations across Canada. You may be required to work shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays to ensure emergency medical coverage is available 24/7. Physical fitness and mental resilience are essential, as the role demands quick decision-making and the ability to manage emotionally demanding situations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide emergency medical services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become an Emergency Medical Attendant with the Department of National Defence, you must hold a valid Emergency Medical Attendant certification or equivalent from your province or territory. This typically requires completion of a provincially-approved Emergency Medical Attendant training program (usually 120-150 hours of classroom and practical instruction) and successful completion of written and practical examinations.
Minimum educational requirements generally include a high school diploma or equivalent. Many candidates complete additional training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Advanced Life Support (ALS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and other specialized certifications depending on operational requirements.
Once hired, you will receive comprehensive on-the-job training specific to DND operations, protocols, equipment, and procedures. The department supports ongoing professional development through continuing education programs, advanced certifications, and skills upgrading to maintain and enhance your competency. You will be required to maintain current certifications throughout your career and participate in regular training and competency assessments.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to begin a career as an Emergency Medical Attendant with the Department of National Defence civilian workforce:
Public Service Staffing: The primary entry method is through open competitions posted on the Government of Canada's job board (Canada.ca/jobs). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Positions may be advertised at different salary levels depending on experience and qualifications.
Student Programs: DND participates in federal student employment programs during summer and academic breaks, providing an opportunity to gain experience with the department while pursuing your Emergency Medical Attendant certification.
Lateral Moves: If you are currently a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or employed elsewhere in the federal public service, you may be eligible to transition to a civilian Emergency Medical Attendant position through internal staffing processes.
Temporary and Casual Employment: The department occasionally hires Emergency Medical Attendants on a temporary or casual basis to fill operational needs, which can lead to permanent employment opportunities.
To apply, you will need to submit a government application with proof of your current Emergency Medical Attendant certification and meet all mandatory requirements. We encourage you to register with the Public Service Commission's Priority Hiring lists if eligible, as this can accelerate your entry into the workforce.
Part-Time Options
Emergency Medical Attendant positions with the Department of National Defence are typically full-time, permanent positions requiring shift work to maintain continuous emergency medical coverage. However, limited part-time and casual opportunities may be available at some locations to support operational flexibility and staffing needs.
Shift work is a standard requirement for this role, including days, evenings, nights, and rotating schedules. While traditional remote work is not applicable to Emergency Medical Services positions due to the hands-on, emergency response nature of the work, some administrative or training-related duties may offer flexibility depending on your role and location.
The department recognizes the demands of shift-based emergency services work and offers benefits and support services to help manage work-life balance, including employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives. If you have specific scheduling needs or require accommodations, we recommend discussing these with your manager and Human Resources representative during the hiring process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
