A recent public opinion survey indicates that a majority of residents in New Brunswick are open to seeing paramedics assume a broader set of responsibilities within the province's healthcare framework. The poll, conducted in late 2025, highlights a potential path forward for addressing systemic pressures by leveraging the skills of emergency medical professionals.
Strong Public Backing for Change
The survey's central finding is clear: most New Brunswickers are comfortable with the idea of paramedics playing a greater role in healthcare delivery. This sentiment comes at a time when healthcare systems across Canada are grappling with challenges such as emergency department overcrowding, long wait times, and access to primary care in rural communities. The public's openness suggests a recognition that innovative solutions are needed.
While the specific details of the poll's methodology and exact percentage of support were not disclosed in the initial report, the overarching message points to a significant level of public trust in paramedics. These professionals, often the first point of contact in a medical crisis, are seen as capable of handling more than just urgent, on-scene interventions.
Potential Roles for Paramedics in Community Care
An expanded role for paramedics, often referred to as "community paramedicine," could take several forms based on models used in other regions. This might include:
- Conducting wellness checks and follow-up visits for patients with chronic conditions after hospital discharge.
- Administering vaccinations or simple treatments in community settings or for homebound individuals.
- Assessing minor injuries and illnesses, potentially reducing non-urgent visits to hospital emergency rooms.
- Providing support in long-term care facilities or during natural disasters and public health emergencies.
Such initiatives would require careful planning, additional training, and regulatory changes, but the poll suggests the public would be receptive. The focus would be on using highly trained personnel more efficiently to improve patient outcomes and system flow.
Context and Future Implications
The poll, reported on December 01, 2025, adds data to an ongoing conversation about healthcare innovation in New Brunswick and across Canada. Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB), the provincial service, would be at the center of any such expansion. This public support provides valuable political and social capital for policymakers and health administrators considering reforms.
Implementing an enhanced role for paramedics could help bridge gaps in the healthcare continuum, particularly in underserved areas. It represents a shift towards a more proactive and community-based model of care, moving beyond the traditional emergency-response-only function. The positive public opinion revealed in this poll is a crucial first step, indicating that New Brunswickers are ready to see their healthcare system adapt and evolve with the help of these trusted frontline workers.
