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October 24, 2024

TOP NEWS

How 1 man transformed emergency care in Nova Scotia

CBC
Dr. Ron Stewart, key in modernizing Nova Scotia's emergency health system, has died at 82. Stewart, son of a Cape Breton coal miner, worked in health care for over 50 years, also serving as Nova Scotia's health minister and mentor at Dalhousie University. Read More

PARAMEDIC NEWS

Pioneering emergency medicine leader Ron Stewart dies at 82

SaltWire
Ron Stewart, a leader in emergency medicine and paramedicine, passed away at 82. Known for his contributions across North America, Stewart was also a former Nova Scotia health minister and was recently honored as a Companion of the Order of Canada. Read More

L'héritage du Dr Ron Stewart : Modernisation des services médicaux et activisme mondial

CBC
Le Dr Ron Stewart, figure clé de la modernisation des services d'urgence en Nouvelle-Écosse, est décédé à 82 ans. Reconnu pour ses 50 ans de carrière dans les soins de santé, il a marqué la médecine paramédicale et a été ministre de la Santé. Read More

Mental health strain rises among BC paramedics as drug calls surge

CBC
Up to 40% of B.C. paramedics are currently seeking help for mental health issues, largely driven by increased drug poisoning incidents. Ian Tait of Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. explains how their roles have evolved significantly in recent years. Watch Video

8 Nova Scotians awarded for heroic acts in 2024 ceremony

Government of Nova Scotia
Eight Nova Scotians were honoured for their bravery, including one posthumously, at a recent ceremony. Premier Tim Houston presented the medals to individuals who risked their lives in acts of courage, protecting others and their communities. Read More

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Cutting-edge marine rescue vessel launched on Lake Ontario

CityNews via YouTube
A new marine search and rescue vessel, equipped with advanced technology like radar, sonar, and thermal imaging, has been introduced to improve rescue operations on Lake Ontario. The vessel, designed to handle rough waters, will undergo trials and is expected to be fully operational by November. Watch Video

Province boosts ambulance funding by 13% to enhance emergency services

SNnewswatch.com
Superior North EMS will receive a 13% funding increase, enhancing equipment and services. This boost will aid ambulance response for the region's 160,000 residents. The service employs over 200 paramedics and operates nearly 50 vehicles. Additional funds will support rising operational costs. Read More

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Overdose calls surge as Prince George, British Columbia responds to 1,466 cases in 2024

My Prince George Now
Prince George ranks fifth in British Columbia for overdose incidents in 2024, with paramedics responding to 1,466 calls since January. February saw the highest monthly total of 195 calls, followed by January, June and July. Vancouver leads the province. Read More

New emergency suboxone treatment provides faster addiction care

CBC
Paramedics in Sudbury, Ontario, and Health Sciences North are collaborating to offer suboxone for opioid use disorder in the field, reducing ER visits. This initiative provides patients with quicker access to addiction services after naloxone treatment, helping manage withdrawal symptoms. Read More

Rising violence pushes for tougher laws to protect Canadian first responders

North Bay Nugget
Canadian first responders face increasing violence, with alarming reports of attacks on paramedics and public safety personnel. Paramedics, including Paul Hills, have experienced life-threatening situations. Experts link the violence to a community mental health crisis and eroding trust in institutions. Read More

AHS proposes wage freeze for 20% of health care staff amid negotiations

The Alberta Worker
Alberta Health Services has proposed wage freezes for 1 in 5 Health Sciences Association of Alberta workers. Negotiations broke down after AHS resisted salary negotiations, affecting 4,500 health care professionals. HSAA seeks mediation to address wage disparities. Read More

Canada's first PC-24 air ambulance enhances medical reach to remote areas

Skies Magazine
Levaero Aviation has introduced Canada's first fully-dedicated PC-24 air ambulance, ideal for remote areas. With a spacious interior and cargo door, it complements Keewatin Air's fleet, providing advanced medical services to underserved communities across Canada. Read More

Federal regulations fall short as airport firefighting resources face scrutiny

CBC
Aviation safety experts warn that Newfoundland and Labrador airports lack sufficient firefighting resources for major accidents. George Power, a retired firefighter, highlights staffing and training concerns, urging federal action. A 2022 report criticized current firefighter staffing during an emergency exercise. Read More

How a decommissioned ambulance is boosting health care for vulnerable populations

TimminsToday
Local paramedics are expanding services to help vulnerable groups. The Cochrane District program repurposes a retired ambulance to provide mobile health care, focusing on homeless populations. It integrates point-of-care testing, diagnostics and assessments to reduce hospital admissions. Read More

First responders prepare for large animal rescues

CTV News
First responders in Windsor-Essex, Ontario, underwent training on rescuing large animals in emergencies. The session covered safety for responders and animals, emphasizing best practices for incidents like barn fires and animal entrapments, ensuring the welfare of all involved. Read More

Opioid deaths decline in US as experts remain cautious

CBC
New Centers for Disease Control data reveals a 10.6% drop in U.S. drug overdose deaths between April 2023 and April 2024, offering rare hope in the opioid crisis. Experts, though optimistic, stress the importance of remaining cautious, given past fluctuations in mortality rates. Read More

How a diver's bravery shaped a family's fate

CBC
Jill found a photo of her father being rescued in 1962, introducing her to Jim Tribon, the man who saved him. Decades later, she reached out to Jim, realizing how his actions directly impacted her family's existence, leading to their reunion. Read More

Paramedic superintendent charged with multiple child exploitation crimes

Kingstonist
A 54-year-old man, charged with multiple sexual offences involving minors, was serving as Lennox and Addington County's Paramedic Services superintendent. He was recently arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police, following charges of voyeurism, luring and child pornography possession. Read More

OPP investigating paramedic supervisor for sexual misconduct charges

The Kingston Whig Standard
A Lennox and Addington paramedic supervisor has been charged with voyeurism, child pornography and luring a minor. The charges stem from an OPP investigation, though none have been proven in court. The supervisor is on leave, with ongoing cooperation from paramedic services. Read More

Superior North EMS paramedics secure pay raise amid wage concerns

TBNewsWatch.com
Superior North EMS paramedics received a modest pay increase, though their union believes it falls short. The three-year contract provides yearly raises of 3-3.5%, but wage disparities with other emergency services remain a major concern for paramedics. Read More

Toronto 911 calls face growing wait times despite urgent calls for action

CityNews Toronto
Toronto police's 911 centre experienced wait times nearing 12 minutes recently. Staffing challenges, with only two new hires in a year, are contributing to the delays, leading to heightened concerns from police unions and the public. Read More

Heart-stopping moment at marathon ends in lifesaving rescue

CBC
A WFPS half-marathon runner collapsed just after finishing, prompting race director Jonathan Torchia to use his paramedic training. Torchia and volunteers performed CPR and applied an AED, saving the man's life before emergency services transported him to the hospital. Read More

Ontario paramedics honoured for humanitarian work and service milestones

Sault This Week
Paramedics were celebrated at the 2024 Ontario Paramedic Chiefs Symposium. Hilary Sadowski received the Humanitarian Award for her global and local relief efforts. Six paramedics earned the Exemplary Service Medal, recognizing 20 years of outstanding work. Read More

Paramedics launch fundraiser to provide holiday meals for those in need

CIYM-FM
Northumberland Paramedics have introduced a fundraiser to support holiday meals for vulnerable residents. The $15 calendar, featuring therapy dog Ivy Joules, raises funds for this cause. Ivy helps paramedics after tough calls and brings comfort to the community. Read More

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