Paul Kennedy, the Executive Director of Licensing, Procurement, and Fleet Services for Associated Ambulance, has dedicated more than four decades to the field of emergency medical services (EMS). His career began in 1977 when, at just 18 years old, he joined Walker’s Regional Ambulance—a company that, like many early EMS providers, operated alongside a funeral home. In those days, formal training was almost nonexistent. New hires simply needed CPR certification and three days of shadowing an experienced paramedic before stepping into the role.
Kennedy’s move to Alberta was serendipitous. While visiting an employment center to replace a lost social insurance card, he stumbled upon a job posting for EMS work in the province. He applied, was hired, and moved to Alberta with his belongings packed onto a plane. In the fall of 1982, he began working in Whitecourt, marking the start of a career that would take him through some of Canada’s most challenging and rewarding environments.
Spending nearly a decade in Banff National Park and close to 20 years in Jasper, Kennedy developed extensive experience in backcountry rescues, including helicopter extractions and crevasse rescues on the Icefields. However, his early years in EMS were met with significant challenges. Equipment was rudimentary, and ambulances were often custom-built by the companies themselves. There was little in the way of advanced medical tools—cardiac equipment was minimal, and paramedics had no access to medications in the field. It wasn’t until 1980 or 1981 that Nova Scotia introduced Canada’s first formal EMS training program, a development that would eventually shape the profession nationwide.
One of the most significant changes Kennedy has witnessed in the industry is the introduction of fatigue management policies. Early in his career, EMS workers were expected to remain on call indefinitely, responding to emergencies whenever they arose. Recognizing the risks associated with exhaustion, he and Associated Ambulance advocated for stricter guidelines, first securing an eight-hour rest period after 16 hours on duty and later reducing the maximum workday to 14 hours. Their efforts ultimately led to province-wide policy changes, ensuring safer conditions for EMS professionals.
Advancements in technology and training have also revolutionized pre-hospital care. While EMS has always aimed to bring hospital-level treatment to patients, modern tools and procedures have made this goal more achievable than ever. The capabilities of paramedics today far exceed what was possible even 15 years ago, reflecting the profession’s ongoing evolution.
For Kennedy, the most rewarding aspect of his career has been the opportunity to mentor and influence others in the field. His dedication to a positive work environment has fostered a sense of community within EMS, and his legacy is reflected in the colleagues and family members who have followed in his footsteps. His daughter, now in management, is among those carrying on the values he has championed over the years.
Kennedy firmly believes that a career in EMS is what one makes of it. Those who approach the job with passion, respect, and a commitment to helping others will find immense fulfillment. As he reflects on his nearly five decades in the industry, he encourages aspiring paramedics to focus on the positive impact they can have on people’s lives. In his words, “You’re going to get out of this career what you put into it. If you enjoy helping people and treat them with respect, you’ll look back and say, ‘That was a great thing I did.’”
