CSA Z1660:24

Preface This is the first edition of CSA Z1660, National competency framework for paramedics. CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC). The requirements in this Standard are the minimum requirements. They represent the consensus of the Technical Committee members, who represent a broad spectrum of interests. The Committee members are helped and encouraged by the comments received as a result of the wide distribution of a draft at the public review stage. This Standard reflects current paramedic practice in Canada in varied settings and contexts, and was informed by the following foundational documents: a) National Occupational Competency Profile (2011); b) Canadian Paramedic Profile (2017); c) Code of Ethics (2016); and d) Principles to Guide the Future of Paramedicine in Canada (2022). This Standard has been informed and enhanced by peer-reviewed research and best practice for the development of competency frameworks for the health professions. The draft competency framework was developed by a pan-Canadian development group in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders from across Canada. Revisions to the competency framework were made based on feedback received from pan-Canadian working groups, targeted feedback activities, and a public review. This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on National Competency Framework for Paramedics, under the jurisdiction of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee on Public Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope 1.1 General This Standard identifies the professional activities and supporting competencies required of paramedics in Canada. It reflects current and emerging practice in Canada. This Standard also provides guidance and supporting details to aid with understanding and using the Standard, including an overview of the role description, significance of the roles, information about practice settings, and delegation, as well as inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. 1.2 Exclusions This Standard does not include the role and practice of emergency medical responders (EMRs). EMR competencies are outlined in the PAC Emergency Medical Responder Competency Profile (2015). This Standard does not specify the clinical scope of practice for the primary care paramedic (PCP), advanced care paramedic (ACP), critical care paramedic (CCP), or community paramedic (CP). Scope of practice varies significantly across the country, and this Standard acknowledges the same competencies are required of paramedics regardless of scope of practice or clinical designation. National model scopes of practice for PCPs, ACPs, CCPs, and CPs are detailed in the PAC document Education and Practice Guidance, and individual scope is based on provincial or territorial regulations. 1.3 Terminology In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.