The Path of Public Service

Author: Applaud - People in Public Service (formerly Quarter Century Club)

Join us as we walk through the lives of deeply committed public servants who are working hard behind the scenes and in front of audiences, improving public services that Canadians rely on and that shape our experiences. Whether deputy minister, journalist, author, public broadcaster, actor, tax credit advisor, or consumer specialist, we applaud individuals who have played a critical role in our public lives beyond the call of duty. We will ask thought-provoking questions with fresh insights, but it is our guests who turn their incredible life experiences into inspiring messages, reflecting into moments of adversity and triumph.
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Language: en-gb

Genres: Business, Non-Profit

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Marie LaRocque and Norm Robillard: Both Sides of the Call: The Path of Paramedics Part 2
Episode 19
Monday, 11 May, 2026

Part 2 digs into the grind behind a “normal” 12-hour shift and the strain that chronic understaffing creates for both dispatch and crews. Communications Officer, Marie Larocque describes the dispatch “chess game” of moving ambulances to protect lunch breaks, often unsuccessfully, and the moral injury of holding exhausted paramedics on mandatory overtime. She also recounts a ride-along on the orange air ambulance, including a dramatic hospital transfer and being left behind due to weather. And Paramedic, Norm Robillard, reflects on the high standards emergency response personnel hold themselves to, learning from tough calls, and not “keeping score” on outcomes. Both critique offload delays and primary-care gaps, while stressing: if you’re truly sick, call 911. [00:01:50] The lunch issue [00:04:10] Overtime and moral injury [00:05:29] Paramedics and Communications Officers relationship [00:07:29] Marie’s ride-along adventure [00:10:10] The hard side of the work [00:14:11] Offload delay [00:16:48] Community band-aids [00:19:05] If you need help, call Disclaimer: Any statistics, facts or data references mentioned in this episode have not been independently verified and may not reflect the most accurate, complete, or current data. Please consult reliable sources for up-to-date and authoritative information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.