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August 14, 2025

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TOP NEWS

Winnipeg is transforming 911 emergency responses

City of Winnipeg
WFPS handled over 225,000 calls last year, averaging 600 daily. With emergencies ranging in urgency, Winnipeg refined its 911 system to prioritize life-threatening cases, introducing five response levels to ensure faster care for the most critical situations. Read More

PARAMEDIC NEWS

Mental health crisis pushes paramedics to breaking point

CKMQ-FM
Merritt Fire Rescue is spotlighting a deepening mental health crisis in British Columbia's ambulance services as suicide rates among paramedics surge. Nine deaths this year alone underline the urgent need for immediate support and sustainable change across the profession. Read More

Ontario cities struggle as drug use shifts back to the streets

The Trillium
With supervised drug-use sites closed, Ontario cities report rising street overdoses, scattered needles and overwhelmed paramedics. Churches, drop-ins and shelters are now de-facto response centers as public drug use spikes and staff race to prevent deaths. Read More

Why fewer Code Blacks don't mean faster help

CKLW-AM
Though Code Black events have dropped, Essex-Windsor EMS still faces dangerously low ambulance availability. Response delays of 30-40 minutes are common, driven by staff shortages, burnout and pay disparities that leave ambulances off the road. Read More

Toronto adds 90 new 911 operators to cut emergency wait times

CBC
Toronto is taking urgent steps to fix long 911 wait times by hiring 90 new operators. With 60 already hired, the goal is quicker response. The move follows CBC reports showing delays as long as 10 minutes for emergency calls. Read More

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How a music festival keeps thousands safe in sudden storms

OrilliaMatters
Two evacuations at Boots and Hearts showcased a coordinated safety effort involving organizers, local authorities and private partners. Delays and sheltering procedures followed fast-moving weather, managed by a unified response led by police, emergency staff and meteorologists. Read More

Over 1K first responders stepped back due to psychological strain

CBC
After nearly 40 years as a paramedic, Rick Chorley recognized the mental toll of his career. Despite staying on the job, he sought therapy. His story echoes hundreds in Edmonton, Alberta, navigating trauma, overwork and stress tied to first responder duties. Read More

Toxic street drug mix causing overdoses

OrilliaMatters
A warning has been issued after a highly toxic street drug, believed to mix fentanyl with tranquilizers or benzodiazepines, was detected in Simcoe-Muskoka, Ontario. Dubbed "red down," it's linked to increased sedation and recent suspected overdose deaths. Read More

Motorcycle ride crosses Canada to raise PTSD awareness

CBC
Dozens of motorcyclists rode through Winnipeg to spotlight PTSD, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage support. The cross-country event, in its ninth year, travels from St. John's to British Columbia, raising funds and visibility for mental health services. Read More

New law targets street weapons to boost safety in Saskatchewan

Canadian Lawyer
Saskatchewan's new law restricts public possession of knives, needles and similar items deemed potential street weapons. It gives police more power to seize such objects when safety is at risk and allows exemptions for legitimate daily or medical use. Read More

$89M secures Ontario's community paramedicine program for long-term impact

CTV News
Ontario is making its community paramedicine program permanent with $89 million in funding, expanding services to First Nations. Local leaders applaud the move, citing critical access to at-home care and reduced pressure on hospitals and emergency rooms. Read More

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Pepper Van Slyke
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