Essex Windsor EMS has launched a recruitment campaign online and on social media touting a region on the rise.
A slick new video features EMS Chief Justin Lammers pointing out the region's recent investments, like the new EV battery plant.
"There's a future here. We are creating the path for the future of paramedicine in the Province of Ontario. We call this EMS 2.0," he declares in the video. "If I didn't work here, it's where I'd want to be."
This year's Essex County budget included funding for 16 new paramedics and eight new ambulances. The internal part-time employee pool will fill those new full-time paramedic positions.
Chief Lammers indicated the recruits will fill the part-time pool positions.
"We'd be happy if we got 40, to be honest, in the part-time pool to be able to allow for the enhancements as well provide much-needed vacation to our paramedics on the road," said Chief Lamers.
Onboarding recruits will take place in two streams, the first before March and the second later in the spring.
"Every little bit helps. We're optimistic that putting a few more trucks on the road will help with our pressures and instances of code red or black," said Lammers.
Applicants will need a Class F driver's license and a community college diploma in a paramedic program.
Those who apply can expect a multiple interview process, including evaluations, psychological testing, ride-outs, and orientation, before receiving a conditional job offer.
The probationary period is one year.
Shifts are between four and 12 hours on days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Those hired as primary care paramedics will make $37.06 to start, while advanced care paramedics make $39.29.