The Whitehorse Emergency Shelter has a medical clinic on site since 2020.
Over the years the staff 405 Alexander have done several successful resuscitations and other critical interventions.
If there's an emergency they can reach people immediately.
They also provide a wide range of non-emergency and preventative medical care.
Let’s meet Justin and Trio who are both paramedic specialists. Every day their work helps vulnerable people in Whitehorse.
The goal: Reduce calls and visits to ER
In the shelter's emergency clinic paramedics provide wound care, help with alcohol withdrawals, provide care for people affected by substance use, and even help people affected by a cold or flu.
They also test drugs for safety. They stand ready to administer Naloxone, while providing harm-reduction supplies and support in connecting clients to health and social services.
Justin has been in this role since the clinic began. He’s been working for five years in Whitehorse.
He says the work is all about building relationships.
While some clients are “health care resistant” he says over time it is sometimes possible to build trust.
This can lead to better outcomes.
“We'll get to know them, we see what their needs are, and we will be with them throughout their journey until they're set up with a long term plan with the appropriate service provider here in Whitehorse,” he says.
Making a difference in people’s lives
Trio became a paramedic because he wanted to help people. He says working in the Yukon provides that opportunity.
“I wanted to make a difference in people's lives and be there — especially when it's not a very good time for them. When it’s an emergent situation we can provide care and help,” he says.
He encourages others to consider a health care career in the Yukon.
And that could include a career as a paramedic.
“There's a great work-life balance here. There's great support. The leadership is really supportive in your professional journey as a paramedic. So there's lots of opportunities,” he says.
Sometimes paramedics bring people to the hospital but that’s not necessarily in an ambulance. The team has a small SUV used for non-emergency travel.
‘Check it out for yourself’
Asked for advice about working in the Yukon, Justin encourages people to come north and see the region for themselves.
“If you are doing your schooling in paramedicine, come do a practicum up here. Check it out for yourself. It’s a chance to see the area. It's a chance to get to know the people here,” he says.
A few months’ visit might turn into a career.
Justin says that’s what happened to him.
“I had a five-month plan…and that was five years ago. I continue to remain up here — and I would have a hard time finding a reason to go elsewhere,” he says.