Guidance Respecting SCoP Member Participation in Immunization Clinics during a Pandemic
Issued October 28, 2009
The Ministry of Health has proposed for approval by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan a new Pandemic Protocol including a protocol on Administering a Vaccine. In support of that protocol the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics is providing this guidance to members.
Competency
The following advice was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health regarding the competence of our members to participate in a vaccination program.
| Competencies | SCoP Member Competencies? | Within Scope? Support of Regulator? |
Students to Perform? | Constraints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Yes, EMT-P | Yes | No | |
| Diagnosis | No | No | No | |
| Prescribe | No | No | No | |
| Administer a Vaccination | Yes, EMT-P, EMT-A and EMTs who are PCP trained | Yes at EMT-P and EMT-A, and EMT/PCP trained levels, subject to CPSS and Health approval of scope of practice to include vaccine. | Any student who is already a licensed EMT/PCP trained | CPSS and Health approval necessary for scope of practice. Require a brief training session prior to independent practice. |
Training Requirements
Prior to administering a vaccine a member must have participated in training which meets the following objectives:
- Understand influenza, the concept of a pandemic and the specific strain of influenza involved
- Understand the risks and benefits of immunization
- Understand the EMS role in immunization (including what each practitioner level can and cannot do; the most current applicable protocols)
- Understand the characteristics of the vaccine, including handling and storage precautions
- Screen and assess candidates for immunization
- Administer vaccination, including a review of IM injections
- Recognize and treat adverse reactions and anaphylaxis.
- Document treatment
Assessment
Assessment is not required. A record of participation in the training must be provided to the college.
Instructor Qualifications
The course must be developed by an expert in public health/immunization. The course should be instructed by an instructor designated by a Regional Health Authority.
Record Keeping
A copy of the course outline and/or presentation and record of participation for each participant should be provided to the college and kept on the instructor or agency file for five years.
The record of member attendance at the training can be provided to the College in one of two ways:
- The instructor could “sign off” the course on the practitioner’s CME Report Form. This can be inserted in the section entitled: “Approved Courses (not part of Agency CME Program)”. The instructor’s signature indicates attendance. Please insert the date of the training on the form below or beside the signature.
- A list of members who have attended a particular program can be provided to the college. The list must include each member’s full name and SCoP registration number, as well as the date of the course, the name of the course and the name of the instructor. The instructor should sign the list certifying that the named individuals attended. Members should note the training on their CME Reporting form without any sign off.
Recertification
Training must be refreshed each year the member is asked to participate in an immunization clinic.