For the past 24 years, Shane has worked as a paramedic, caring for Manitobans on their worst days. His career started with the Winnipeg River District Ambulance Service, a volunteer-based Emergency Medical Response program.
“It was a true volunteer service – we didn’t even get paid,” Shane says.
Now, Shane is an Intermediate Care Paramedic (ICP) based out of Whitemouth, a small community 100 kilometres east of Winnipeg. He completed his training at Brandon Fire College, taking EMR, EMT-B and ICP courses through the regional health authority. His decision to pursue a career in health care was community-driven, and it’s that same mindset that keeps him motivated today.
“My community was short on medics, and I wanted to help. I was hooked after the first call.”
Over more than two decades, Shane has seen firsthand how Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have evolved in Manitoba – from patient transport in a volunteer system to clinically driven, on-scene decision-making in modern paramedicine. The shift in responsibility has significantly impacted the level of patient care we see today.
“We went from transporting patients to making on-site clinical decisions based on what’s best for their care. Now, if you’re having a heart attack, we can forward that information straight to the catheterization lab and get you in directly.”
No two days are the same.
A typical day in Shane’s role starts long before sunrise. For a day shift, he is awake by 04:45 and on the road by 05:15, arriving at the station in time for a crew handoff at 05:45. Each shift begins with a full ambulance equipment check, followed by 12+ hours of unpredictable emergency response – often extending into overtime.
“We can do anything any day – no two days are the same. Today, we might be delivering a baby, and tomorrow we’re saving someone’s grandma from having a heart attack. It’s a great feeling to know you helped someone on one of their worst days.”
While every call is different, the feeling of impact remains constant. Based in a tight-knit area, Shane frequently sees past patients during grocery shops or community events. He says hearing their gratitude for his work is a strong reminder of why he chose this career.
“When you run into a patient whose life you actually saved, and they get the chance to say thank you at the grocery store, that confirms you made the right career choice.”
Typical day shift for Shane:
| TIME | TASK |
|---|---|
| 04:45 | Wake up |
| 05:15 | On the road |
| 05:45 | Arrive at station for crew handoff + ambulance equipment check |
| 07:00 | Shift start – respond to emergency calls from dispatch |
| 19:00 | Shift ends, unless extra OT is required |
Challenges for paramedics working in Manitoba
For years, rural communities in Manitoba have dealt with critical paramedic shortages, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Compounding issues like increased call volumes, on-the-job violence, and intense burnout have led to paramedics leaving faster than they can be trained or recruited.
In 2023, the provincial government committed to hiring 200 net new paramedics by 2027. To date, they’ve hired 18, with a net gain of one new paramedic in 2025 so far. Shane says the demand for paramedics has grown faster than training programs and recruitment models can support, and the Employer must do more to protect and retain the current workforce.
“Our staffing levels dropped drastically during COVID-19, and the schools can’t keep up. We need incentives — reduced education fees, long-service initiatives, and a staffing model that protects morale while filling vacant positions.”
For those interested in joining the field, Shane encourages them to engage in conversations with those who have firsthand experience of the role.
“Talk to paramedics, ask questions, and try a ride-along if you can. Know what you’re getting into – both the good and the bad.”
Outside of work, family comes first. He’s been married for 11 years and is a proud parent to his 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. When he’s not working, you can find him on the water or outdoors.
“Fishing, hunting, and spending time with my family – that’s what I enjoy most.”