Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the Department of National Defence provide essential pre-hospital emergency medical care to Canadian Armed Forces members, Department employees, and civilians on Defence establishments. As an EMT, you will respond to medical emergencies, assess patient conditions, and deliver immediate life-saving interventions in both routine and high-stress situations. You play a critical role in the Defence healthcare continuum, serving on bases and wings across Canada and potentially on international operations.
Your daily responsibilities include responding to emergency calls, performing patient assessments and triage, administering first aid and emergency medical care, operating and maintaining emergency equipment, and documenting patient care records. You will work as part of an integrated healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. EMTs in the Canadian Armed Forces environment must be prepared to work in diverse conditions, from established medical facilities to remote operational settings, and may be required to deploy to support military operations.
This position demands physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will work shift-based schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and must maintain current certifications and continuous professional competency throughout your career.
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 qualify as an Emergency Medical Technician with DND, you must possess a valid provincial or territorial Emergency Medical Technician certification at the appropriate level (typically Provincial or Advanced Care Paramedic level, depending on the position). Most candidates complete a recognized paramedical or emergency medical services training program through a community college or vocational institution, which typically takes 6 months to 2 years depending on the level.
Minimum educational requirements generally include successful completion of secondary school (Grade 12) or equivalent. You must obtain and maintain current certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Some positions may require additional certifications such as trauma or critical care paramedic qualifications.
Once hired, you will receive Department-specific orientation and training covering DND policies, military medical protocols, and operational procedures. Throughout your career, you will participate in ongoing professional development including recertification courses, advanced skills training, and specialized modules relevant to military healthcare delivery. Opportunities exist to pursue additional qualifications in areas such as tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), mass casualty management, or specialized operational medicine.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Emergency Medical Technician position with DND typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes managed by the Public Service Commission. Candidates may enter through several pathways:
Open competitions are regularly advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND/CAF recruitment websites. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the essential qualifications, including valid provincial EMT certification.
Lateral movement from other Canadian Armed Forces medical positions or from provincial/municipal emergency services is possible for experienced paramedics and EMTs. The CAF also recruits EMTs directly into the Canadian Armed Forces Medical Branch, which offers distinct career progression and benefits.
Student and graduate recruitment programs may be available for individuals completing paramedical or emergency medical services training programs. Interested candidates should register with the Public Service Commission's recruitment services and monitor postings regularly.
All candidates must pass a security clearance process, medical fitness evaluation appropriate to the role, and meet other eligibility requirements established by DND. Those selected will be placed on an eligibility list from which hiring occurs as vacancies become available.
Part-Time Options
Emergency Medical Technician positions with DND are typically full-time, permanent positions that operate on a shift-based schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage of medical emergency response on Defence establishments. Most EMTs work standard shift rotations that may include day, evening, night, and weekend shifts.
Part-time or casual work opportunities may be available at some locations, though these are limited and depend on operational requirements and available staffing levels. Interested candidates should inquire directly with the hiring facility about any part-time or auxiliary positions.
Remote work is not applicable to this role, as Emergency Medical Technicians must be physically present on site to respond to medical emergencies. However, some administrative or training-related duties may have limited flexibility depending on the specific assignment.
The nature of emergency response work requires flexibility and the ability to respond to urgent situations outside of standard business hours. Candidates should be prepared for the demands of shift work, on-call requirements where applicable, and the physical and mental demands of emergency medical response. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and may offer flexibility within the operational constraints of emergency medical services.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
