Dufferin County Paramedic Association and SEIU Local 58

02/07/2020

Unions are Great! (Official version - 60 seconds) by NUPGE

A little tongue and cheek, but nonetheless true.

https://youtu.be/__j4j6-5bdU

Unions are Great!

01/29/2020

SARS survivor, retired paramedic warns front-line workers need protection against coronavirus | CBC News

This.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/sars-survivor-retired-paramedic-warns-front-line-workers-need-protection-against-coronavirus-1.5441953

As concern grows over the recent outbreak of a newly-discovered strain of coronavirus, with two cases now identified in Toronto, one former paramedic says his experience during the SARS outbreak offers lessons for protecting Canadian frontline workers from a new but familiar threat.

01/26/2020

Canada announces 'presumptive' 1st case of coronavirus in Toronto | CBC News

Please be aware.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canada-1st-case-coronavirus-toronto-1.5440760

Canada confirmed its first "presumptive" case of the deadly coronavirus in Toronto as the number of infections worldwide surpasses 1,400 cases.

01/24/2020

Brampton council declares health care emergency

Ending ‘Hallway Medicine’ is multivariate. There will not be a one size fits all approach. It starts with supporting the hardworking, professional and caring staff on the front lines. Press conferences from a podium don’t motivate people to action, people are motivated by great leadership.

#leadershipmatters #healthcare #hallwaymedicine

https://www.cp24.com/video?binId=1.1127680&cid=sm%3Atrueanthem%3Acp24%3Apost&clipId=1882392&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook

Brampton city council unanimously declared a health care emergency Wednesday,demanding more funding for its hospitals.

01/21/2020

Newmarket’s Southlake hospital charged one year after nurse, security guard attacked | The Star

We hope this sheds light on a growing issue in healthcare and sounds the alarm for other institutions to take action. It is unfortunate that a nurse is permanently injured and disable. Hopefully her suffering will not be in vain.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/01/20/newmarkets-southlake-hospital-charged-one-year-after-nurse-security-guard-attacked.html

If convicted, the Newmarket hospital could face fines of up to $1.5 million for each charge, ministry spokesperson Gloria Yip said.

01/20/2020

Mississauga News

A slippery slope. Managing 911 calls is difficult enough without adding a subject filter such as ‘vexatious’ or frivolous’. We don’t want to dissuade people with real problems from calling 911. What’s the solution?

‘You see the ridiculousness of some of the calls’: Mississauga city council is pushing the province to create penalties for misuse of 911. However, not all councillors are in support of the plan.

01/18/2020

Newmarket's Southlake hospital charged after nurse, security guard attacked

A culture of Saftey begins at the top. Protecting staff has to be prioritized before wait times. We hope that this is a wake up call.

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/9812448-newmarket-s-southlake-hospital-charged-after-nurse-security-guard-attacked/

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has charged Southlake Regional Health Centre with nine violations under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act after a violent assault, one year ago, on...

01/07/2020

‘I made it!’: Creator of Orangeville hospital’s famous ‘McShirley’ sandwich gains new liver, new lease on life

She has kept many a Paramedic belly full during a 12 hour shift! Congrats Shirley. Love from everyone!

https://www.orangeville.com/news-story/9796557--i-made-it-creator-of-orangeville-hospital-s-famous-mcshirley-sandwich-gains-new-liver-new-lease-on-life/

If not for covert action taken by her sons, Shirley Melancon “wouldn’t have lasted” long enough.

12/30/2019

If you do not need to travel tonight while this weather is this bad, you should think about staying home.

11/21/2019

This morning a generous Orangeville resident paid for mine and my colleagues breakfast. After having just sat down to eat we were immediately called for service.

One thing you can always count on is an emergency the moment hot food reaches your mouth, it’s a long standing joke in our profession.

Many thanks to this anonymous patron.

11/18/2019

Everything you need to know about the public-sector salary cap | TVO.org

Ontario has the lowest spending per capita of any other province in Canada. Yet our collective a raging rights are under attack with Bill 124.

What is Bill 124?

The bill sets a clear limit on the rise of public-sector compensation in both the Ontario Public Service (the non-political staff that work directly in ministries) and agencies, boards, and commissions that receive $1 million or more in provincial funding (TVO is included in this group). If Bill 124 is passed, neither salaries nor total compensation would be allowed to increase by more than 1 per cent annually. The bill doesn’t revise existing union agreements, but it would apply to any future agreements.

https://www.tvo.org/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-public-sector-salary-cap

ANALYSIS: The Progressive Conservatives have introduced legislation to cap public-sector salary increases. Here’s what the new law will do, and why the government wants it.

11/17/2019

DR. CHRIS MILBURN: 'Criminal element' sent to ER puts docs in dicey spot | The Chronicle Herald

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/opinion/local-perspectives/dr-chris-milburn-criminal-element-sent-to-er-puts-docs-in-dicey-spot-376037/?fbclid=IwAR1wVJoJpA-tFPN1uwNqiTKfrtTS7hkYU5XeX-_-8FUgXZl-HaREzl9nDJQ#.XdCxV04ztzV.facebook

DR. CHRIS MILBURN There is something that I need to speak out on before it's too late. I was prompted to write this by the high-profile case of the two Halifax special constables who were convicted on Sunday of criminal

11/01/2019

The dark, hidden world of a first-responder

Paramedics must have the ability for immediate treatment following incidents that create post traumatic stress and a path back to active service after that treatment. It’s not a talking point. We have no time for half measures.

https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/the-dark-hidden-world-of-a-first-responder-1777796

Read the full story and comment on BarrieToday.

09/07/2019

Scope of Practice

With the increase anxiety around proposed changes to The Ambulance Act, it’s important to understand what Dufferin’s Professional Paramedics in your community are trained to do.

Toronto Paramedic Services has laid out an easy to digest look at what knowledge and skills our members have that are keeping your health and wellness as our top priority.

***some regional differences apply but account for less the a few percent of the differences***

Check out the link:

https://www.torontoparamedic.com/scope-of-practice/

The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) is a college graduate of a program dedicated to the Paramedic profession. The diploma in "Paramedic Studies" is generally two years in duration and emphasizes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and mechanisms involved in acute injury and illness. The program involves...

08/22/2019

'Her loss is truly felt': Woman shot to death outside Burlington home identified as EMS dispatcher for Halton and Peel

Our Condolences to Laura’s family and friends. A true loss in the Emergency Services Community. She will be missed.

https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/9561428--her-loss-is-truly-felt-woman-shot-to-death-outside-burlington-home-identified-as-ems-dispatcher-for-halton-and-peel/#.XV4ITgy-be4.facebook

Halton Region's first homicide victim of 2019 has been identified.

08/07/2019

A Rational Look at the EMS College Degree Issue

Many other provinces have made Paramedics part of the Health Care System which also provides those professionals with a Paramedic College, much like the College of Nurses or Physicians. The College model has been widely debated, however, this article puts some of the moving parts together. A good read.

https://www.jems.com/articles/2019/08/a-rational-look-at-the-ems-college-degree-issue.html

Should a college degree be a requirement for EMS providers? Bryan Bledsoe, DO, FACEP, FAEMS, answers that question.

07/31/2019

Ivegotyourback911

Ivegotyourback911

Important

07/26/2019

Ontario Paramedic Association

Ontario Paramedic Association

Community paramedics are an important part of Ontario Health Links helping reduce 9-1-1 calls, keep people out of hospital and improve quality of life

07/23/2019

'We're going in': How Toronto cops saved 2 men drowning in a Scarborough pool | CBC News

Predictive nor static models for the placement of emergency service personnel will never compete with bystander CPR.

We need more Public Access Defibrillators, Bystanders trained in CPR and the will to act when we see someone in Cardiac Arrest.

No matter who performs it, CPR saves lives!!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/scarborough-drowning-police-1.5220889

Two Toronto police officers pulled up at a Scarborough Motel Friday to a grisly sight — two men, face down in the pool and not moving.

07/23/2019

'We're going in': How Toronto cops saved 2 men drowning in a Scarborough pool | CBC News

Predictive nor static models for the placement of emergency service personnel will never compete with bystander CPR.

We need more Public Access Defibrillators, Bystanders trained in CPR and the will to act when we see someone in Cardiac Arrest.

No matter who performs it, CPR saves lives!!

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/scarborough-drowning-police-1.5220889

Two Toronto police officers pulled up at a Scarborough Motel Friday to a grisly sight — two men, face down in the pool and not moving.

07/19/2019

Send Paramedics

Send Paramedics

Presumed consent will absolutely increase donations and improve the lives of many.
The impact of Spain’s opt-out system is staggering. Last year in Spain there were 5,260 transplant surgeries, including more than 3,200 kidney transplants, 1,200 liver transplants, 360 lung transplants and 300 heart transplants. #ONpoli #BeADonor #GiftOfLife

Trillium Gift of Life Network
Christine Elliott
Ontario Ministry of Health

07/11/2019

Ontario Paramedic Association

Paramedicine can be a dangerous job. With that in mind, we ought to be proactive rather than reactive.

Boston (MA) Paramedic stabbed multiple times while transporting a patient to hospital. Police rapidly applied a combat application tourniquet to the paramedic.

Second paramedic also pepper-sprayed by the patient.

07/09/2019

Send Paramedics

Send Paramedics

Doctor Jeff Morley says "paramedics are probably exposed to some of the most trauma of any of the first-responder groups ... and, they are often not as celebrated or honoured in the media or the culture as some of the other first responders."

It's a point that sticks with Braithwaite. Rates of PTSD, mental health disorders and suicide are extremely high for paramedics. Research shared in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry in 2017 showed that "paramedics report experiencing very high rates of exposure to human suffering, for which they often feel responsible."

It's a dangerous job and one we know puts us at risk of mental health problems (and physical injury). Fair compensation that makes life outside of work as low stress and enjoyable as can be, makes it worthwhile.

06/22/2019

Send Paramedics

Send Paramedics

It's a dangerous job that exposes Paramedics to very traumatic experiences. Fair compensation and psychological support are essential.

06/22/2019

Happy Pride Week from the Dufferin County Paramedic Association!

06/17/2019

We would like to wish all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and anyone else you’d be happy to call ‘dad’ a very safe and happy Fathers Day.

06/10/2019

Stop Holding Our Paramedics' Pensions Hostage!

https://seiuhealthcare.ca/medavie/

Take action for the paramedics of Chatham-Kent by attaching your name to our pre-written letter. It takes less than 30 seconds to make a huge difference!

06/02/2019

Councillors call for province to reverse funding freeze for emergency services

https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2019/05/17/councillors-call-for-province-to-reverse-funding-freeze-for-emergency-services/

Three Toronto city councillors are calling for the Ford government to reverse its move to freeze funding for Toronto's emergency services. The city says it amounts to a loss of $3.8 million in operating costs.

05/31/2019

Patients reunite with first responders who kept their hearts beating

It’s rare that people come into to see those staff who saved their lives. But when it happens, it’s something really special. This is why we do it.

https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/patients-reunite-with-first-responders-who-kept-their-hearts-beating?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1559260469

Without Nicole Hanson’s life-saving efforts, Renee Villemaire’s infant daughter would probably be dead.The Essex-Windsor EMS paramedic and her partners hadn’t seen baby Taylor sin…

05/28/2019

Who are paramedics? - Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs

https://www.oapc.ca/who-are-paramaedics/

When paramedics tell people their profession, they inevitably get one of two answers: “That’s so cool!” or “I could never do your job.” In further discussion, paramedics often find that their role is not clear in the public’s mind. Perhaps the solution is for us to think about the questi...

05/23/2019

Women's chances of surviving cardiac arrest are half that of men, study says. Here's why | CBC News

Do you work at a place with a public defibrillator? Data is showing more and more that bystander CPR and a PAD (public acres defib) is what helps save lives.

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5145230

The window to shock a woman's heart back into a stable rhythm after cardiac arrest seems to close faster than in men.

05/12/2019

The Dufferin County Paramedic Association extends a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts and surrogates who raised, fed, clothes and cared for us. Enjoy your day! Be safe.

05/08/2019

AMO - Another Budget Shoe Drops Today

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2019/AnotherBudgetShoeDropsToday?fbclid=IwAR13Em0puXmPt6f1IwPSdtUrp-YUHNRgfF5TDRMKnBarkN2YQalljXP6Zbk

Municipal governments are receiving another provincial budget impact today. The cost shared ambulance grants are now frozen at 2018 levels.

04/28/2019

The Aging Population in Canada: A Shift in Paramedic Services Delivery – Canadian Paramedicine News

Dynamic delivery models that react to the change in populations is the scientific and rational approach to any system. No surprise Paramedics are on the front lines. we will continue our great work in Ontario.

https://canadianparamedicine.ca/the-aging-population-in-canada-a-shift-in-paramedic-services-delivery/

7 May 2018 The Aging Population in Canada: A Shift in Paramedic Services Delivery by cpadmin | Posted in: Featured Articles | 0 By Ryan Brown MPH, PCP Those who work in paramedic services and heath care at large, are well aware of the challenges, and in many cases, crises posed by changing demograph...

04/28/2019

The Aging Population in Canada: A Shift in Paramedic Services Delivery – Canadian Paramedicine News

Dynamic delivery models that react to the change in populations is the scientific and relational approach to a system. No surprise Paramedics are on the front lines. we will continue our great work in Ontario.

https://canadianparamedicine.ca/the-aging-population-in-canada-a-shift-in-paramedic-services-delivery/

7 May 2018 The Aging Population in Canada: A Shift in Paramedic Services Delivery by cpadmin | Posted in: Featured Articles | 0 By Ryan Brown MPH, PCP Those who work in paramedic services and heath care at large, are well aware of the challenges, and in many cases, crises posed by changing demograph...

04/16/2019

For Members: OAPC Comments on Restructuring of Paramedic Services - Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs

The Ford Government has released a plan that would reduce the number of Ambulance operators in Ontario from 52 to 10.

https://www.oapc.ca/announcement/members-oapc-comments-restructuring-paramedic-services/

As you may be aware, AMO was informed today that the Province intends to reduce the number of paramedic services in Ontario from the current 52 to 10. OAPC has just received this information, which was unexpected. President Neal Roberts, First Vice President Peter Dundas and Second Vice President Da...