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May 29, 2025

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TOP NEWS

The weight paramedics carry beyond the sirens
Salmon Arm Observer
Many don't realize Paramedic Services Week exists. Neither did the author — until joining the profession and witnessing unimaginable pain firsthand. Created in 1974, revived in 1992, the week is a quiet tribute to those standing between life and death. Read More

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PARAMEDIC NEWS

Rural Alberta ambulance service fights turnover and rising costs
Stettler Independent
Despite financial pressures and staff departures, East Central Ambulance Association remains committed to East Central Alberta. Staffing woes continue as workers leave for urban roles, while equipment costs — like a $270,000 ambulance — highlight growing financial strain. Read More

Why 1 week is set aside to thank Alberta's paramedics
Everything GP
Alberta Health Services is encouraging residents to thank paramedics during Paramedic Services Week, recognizing their vital role. Through online notes, Albertans can show appreciation for EMS professionals who are key to the province's health care system. Read More

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Changing how 911 calls are handled
CJKX-FM
Durham, Ontario's, dispatchers are adopting a new system to triage medical emergencies with more precision. The MPDS protocol asks callers detailed questions to better gauge urgency, replacing outdated methods that often misclassified noncritical cases. Lights-and-siren responses will now be more selective. Read More

Why 911 delays are putting lives at risk
PNI Atlantic News
A new ambulance system in rural Newfoundland is misrouting emergency responders due to shared postal codes among communities. MHA Lloyd Parrot cites dangerous delays, urging a system review. Officials say upgrades to Next Generation 911 are underway. Read More

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Paramedics push forward as 99.6% back strike to challenge working terms
CTV News
Urgences-santé paramedics voted overwhelmingly for a strike mandate. The union, affiliated with FSSS-CSN, emphasizes that essential services like patient transport will continue. Past actions focused on administrative disruption, pending tribunal approval for safety compliance. Read More

Ways paramedics show up for their city every day
CFBK-FM
National Paramedics Week emphasizes appreciation for paramedics' year-round dedication. Acting Chief Stu McKinnon says the theme "We care. For everyone." reflects their commitment to equal care across Muskoka, Ontario's diverse population of locals and visitors. Read More

Why 3 out of 4 Winnipeg paramedics are thinking about quitting
CityNews Winnipeg
As Canada celebrates National Paramedic Services Week, a troubling survey reveals deep-rooted issues plaguing Winnipeg paramedics. Nearly 75% have considered quitting, while 93% report experiencing workplace violence amid increasing calls and chronic understaffing. Read More

1 paramedic's journey shaping emergency care in rural Canada
Island Press Limited
Jansen Sweet followed his father's footsteps into paramedicine, driven by a passion for helping others. Since graduating in 2016, he's embraced the dynamic nature of the job, where no two days — and no two calls — are ever alike. Read More

How to recognize and respond to narcotic poisoning in 3 steps
CTV News via YouTube
Parkland Ambulance's Lyall Kerasuck urges using "poisoning" over "overdose" to reduce stigma and reflect broader risks. Anyone, regardless of background, may face accidental narcotic poisoning. Naloxone kits and CPR are critical in emergency responses. Watch Video

An EMS team is saving time and lives with a smart move
Lakeland Today
Bonnyville EMS has transitioned to a new facility west of town, boosting efficiency and unity among staff. With fewer traffic hurdles and faster routes, response times have improved. The upgraded space also offers better amenities for staff comfort and training. Read More

Ambulance base is moving to a budget motel
Global News
West Vancouver, British Columbia's only ambulance base is in such disrepair that it must close. A temporary replacement has been set up inside a budget motel, marking a stark shift as emergency crews adapt to unexpected, bare-bones conditions in the meantime. Read More

Paramedic chief prepares for final call after 50 years
The Public Record
After more than five decades of dedicated service, Hamilton, Ontario's Paramedic Chief Michael Sanderson is retiring. City officials commend his leadership and experience, emphasizing his vital role in selecting his successor during this transition. Read More

Ontario invests $22M to modernize 911 systems for safer response
Government of Ontario
Ontario is allocating nearly $22 million to help municipalities upgrade to a modern 911 system. The initiative ensures emergency teams gain faster, more accurate data — including video and GPS — enhancing response speed and community safety. Read More

4 paramedics expanding rural care across Nova Scotia hospitals
Nova Scotia Health
Dave Cotterill seized the opportunity to elevate his career, becoming a critical care paramedic — the province's highest paramedic designation. He joins three others advancing emergency care in rural Nova Scotia, bringing greater expertise and expanded medical capabilities to hospital teams. Read More

Paramedics are easing emergency room demand in Prince Edward Island
CTV News
Prince Edward Island's community paramedic program, launched recently, has eased emergency room pressure by treating low-urgency cases on-site. Paramedics have responded to 1,000+ calls and completed 275 follow-ups, helping Islanders directly in their homes. Read More

Patients treated in hallways as 2 Saskatoon ERs exceed capacity
CBC
Overflowing ERs at Saskatoon's main hospitals forced patients into public hallways and waiting rooms. With staff overwhelmed and space maxed out, care was administered under highly public conditions, prompting urgent calls for government action and increased staffing. Read More

Honoring 35 years of care during Paramedic Services Week
CFSF-FM
More than 19,000 emergency 911 calls were answered by area paramedics last year, prompting DNSSAB to honor their service during Paramedic Services Week. This includes recognizing long-serving responders with new Perseverance Awards for up to 35 years of dedication. Read More

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