Ottawa Paramedic Association

06/19/2026

EYES IN THE SKY: DRONES HELP SIMCOE COUNTY PARAMEDICS ASSESS EMERGENCIES

It’s a sign of the times as Simcoe County paramedics have begun to utilize drones to help them assess emergency situations.

Ryan Cresanto, commander of operations for the County of Simcoe, said the drones are used in a variety of ways.

“Remote patient locating or search and rescue is important,” said Cresanto. “Our drones have thermal infrared capability, so it makes it a little easier to locate patients that are lost.”

The County currently has four drone aircrafts and 18 pilots trained to operate them, allowing paramedics the time and space to properly assess situations.

“It allows our incident commanders the ability to have the right information, the right situational awareness to make resource decisions and to improve responders’ safety and improve patient safety,” said Cresanto.

Grant Durfey, emergency management for the County, said they are not the only agency to use drones during emergency calls. Police services across our region use drones, using unique collaboration to ensure productivity if more than one drone is at the scene.

“We want to ensure if paramedics have a drone that can work on patient triage and assessment, police have a drone made for searching that those drones work effectively together,” said Durfey. “So if the police drone finds somebody, our paramedic drone can then readily come in, do that assessment and deliver what they need to deliver.”

The drones used by paramedics have various jobs including, locating patients, small item delivery and more.

“It’s not about who gets there first or who has the fanciest toys, it’s about how do we work together and really support the mission,” said Cresanto. “We’ve also spent a lot of time recently with deconfliction exercises. So when you have multiple drones, multiple agencies in the air at the same time, how do we avoid each other.”

Last week, there was a prime example of collaboration with paramedics assisting Oro-Medonte Fire on Highway 11.

“Our drone pilots also have the ability to support agencies by providing that same situational awareness, the overwatch, where they can identify hotspots, they can monitor fire crews as they enter and exit buildings, and then improve the safety for the responders,” said Cresanto.

Officials hope future drones will work towards heavy lifting, including equipment from inaccessible areas and weigh into the future potential patients.

By: Luke Simard
CTV News

06/18/2026

ESSEX-WINDSOR EMS WELCOMES 24 PARAMEDICS AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Essex-Windsor EMS officially welcomed 24 part-time paramedics Monday at a commencement ceremony held in Council Chambers at the County of Essex Administration Building.

The paramedics were presented with Chief’s Coins and certificates and had epaulettes added to their uniforms, in several cases by family members who were also paramedics or first responders. The room was packed with friends, colleagues and beaming loved ones, many of them filming the ceremony with their smartphones.

“To the families, friends, and loved ones of our newest paramedics – thank you. Your support is the foundation that makes this moment possible. Behind every uniform is a story, a set of sacrifices, and a circle of people who help carry the weight of this work. Your presence here today matters,” said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers.

“Paramedicine is a profession that will test you, shape you, and at times, stretch you. The toughest parts of this job are not always in the textbooks. Sometimes they are there in the quiet moments afterward, the reflection, the doubt, the weight you carry home. You will meet people on the worst days of their lives. And you will also work beside people who may be carrying things you will never see. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is not a medication or a procedure, it is patience and kindness.”


The service welcomed 20 new part-time paramedics who recently finished 2-3 years of college or university curriculums followed by their 4-week orientation program and another four paramedics who finished their orientation last autumn.

“Meeting the standards required to join Essex-Windsor EMS is no small accomplishment, and today is a celebration of your hard work, commitment and perseverance,” said Warden Hilda MacDonald.

“You have spent countless hours learning, training and preparing yourselves for a profession that asks a great deal of the people who choose it. You are stepping into a role that demands skill, professionalism, compassion and resilience. On behalf of Essex County Council and the residents we serve, thank you for choosing this path.”

County of Essex CAO Sandra Zwiers told the graduating recruits they were “joining an organization that values professionalism, teamwork, innovation and public service” and that their Chief is a “passionate advocate for both the service and the paramedics who deliver outstanding care, every day, on ever shift, to the residents of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island.”

Lammers encouraged the new paramedics to “lead with kindness” and to “treat every patient with the same care you would give someone you love.”

By: County of Essex
KINGSVILLE TIMES

06/17/2026

AIR BRAVO CORP. CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

In 2001, pilot Rick Horwath and his optometrist saw an opportunity. Together, they founded Air Bravo Corp. in Elliot Lake, Ont., focused on delivering air ambulance services with one twin-engine Rockwell Commander 700 aircraft.

Formerly the chief pilot at Air Muskoka, Horwath was no stranger to northern operations. His optometrist, Paul Monk, was also a pilot. Together with one medic, the pair worked on growing the business, adding another Commander 700 within the first six months.

By 2003, Horwath had connected with Frank Kelner, who introduced him to the Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop. Kelner, who was instrumental in bringing the Swiss-made PC-12 to the Canadian market in 1996, was a staunch advocate of the plane’s capabilities. He convinced Horwath that the PC-12 was the best choice for his growing air ambulance operation.

“By 2003, we became the first PC-12 operator for air ambulance operations in Ontario, with a base in Thunder Bay,” recalled Horwath. “By the end of that year, I had purchased the other half of the business from my partner and put an office in the hallway outside Frank’s office.”

Today, Air Bravo flies Canada’s largest privately-owned fleet of PC-12 aircraft, with 22 aircraft in total. The company has expanded its repertoire to include passenger and cargo services in addition to medical flights.

“When we first started in 2001, we came on as the 13th carrier doing work for the Ontario Ministry of Health,” recalled Horwath. “Now, we are one of four, and we are the largest of the four.”

Air Bravo operates three provincial bases: Its headquarters in Thunder Bay, plus Sudbury and Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Barrie. Maintenance is performed in Thunder Bay and Sudbury. Horwath also acquired the Owen Sound Airport in 2024 and told Skies Plus he is looking at opening a base there, too. (The original Elliot Lake location was closed in 2014.)

Air Bravo employs about 160 people in total, including pilots, primary care medics, aircraft maintenance engineers, and operational support staff.

“We do air ambulance, private charters and medevacs, corporate charters and pleasure trips, freight runs for northern communities, and fly workers into generating stations for Hydro One,” Horwath explained. “We fly Anishnaabe Police Service crew swaps and fly them to court appearances, and transport prisoners to Thunder Bay and other locations. We do a lot of flying to support the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), firefighting and otherwise.”

Since it was founded in 2001, Air Bravo has been an air ambulance contractor for the Ontario Ministry of Health, and it now holds standing contracts with Ornge, Ontario’s air medical service provider.

“We take infants and preemies with an incubator,” said Horwath. “We stand out because of the type of aircraft we use—we were the first to introduce the PC-12 to air ambulance operations in Ontario, and now it is the preferred aircraft, thanks to its range and safety record.”

Over its 25-year history, Air Bravo is proud to have a spotless safety record, holding ARGUS Platinum and BARS Gold certifications.

Each of its 22 PC-12 single-engine turboprops—about half of which can be converted for medevacs—flies around 150 hours per month. In addition, Air Bravo logs around 50 hours per month on Canada’s first Cessna SkyCourier, which it acquired in February 2025.

The latter has proven extremely effective at moving freight, said Horwath, and a second new SkyCourier—outfitted in a combi configuration for passengers and freight—is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.

Capable of moving 6,500 pounds of cargo, Air Bravo’s non-pressurized SkyCourier supports Ontario’s northernmost communities, including Fort Severn on Hudson Bay and Attawapiskat on James Bay, as well as interior settlements. Horwath said its huge cargo door permits Air Bravo to transport food, supplies and construction material—even snowmobiles, ATVs, and 16-foot aluminum boats.

“I call it a miniature Hercules,” chuckled Horwath. “During fire season, we hauled drums of fuel for OMNR to refuel waterbombers, up to 14 drums at a time.”

Rounding out the Air Bravo fleet, Horwath said the company recently decided to bring two Rockwell Commander 700s back online for corporate charters. Third-party Piper Navajos are contracted when required.

Horwath, who holds dual Canadian and American citizenships, said he is also launching a U.S. Part 135 commuter and on-demand operation out of Fort Myers, Fla., by early May. PC-12 aircraft are now being acquired for that location.

By: Lisa Gordon
Skies Plus

06/16/2026

PETERBOROUGH COUNTY-CITY PARAMEDICS WELCOME 23 NEW TEAM MEMBERS

The service announced that 23 new paramedics have joined the team as part of its spring intake.

Among the group are members of the service's first cohort of graduates who have now officially transitioned from students into professional paramedics.

The milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates as they move into front-line roles responding to calls and providing care throughout the community.

In welcoming the new recruits, PCCP highlighted the experience, dedication and compassion they bring to the profession and expressed confidence in the impact they will have on residents they serve.

The additions strengthen the local paramedic service as it continues to respond to the healthcare needs of communities across the region.

By: Scott Arnold
PTBO Canada.com

06/15/2026

KAWARTHA LAKES COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD WITH DONATION TO THE HUB

Paramedic Services Week, all paramedics, senior staff and council received a pair of sock rocket custom socks.

For every pair of adult-size sports socks purchased, the team was able to donate three pairs to Community Integrated Care Hub, known as ‘The Hub’ (John Howard Society of the Kawarthas). In total, 750 pairs have been donated to The Hub.

“We really appreciate the Community Paramedics team for their support,” said Kristal Jones-Craighead, program director of the Community Integrated Care Hub, in a press release. “The budget we set aside for purchasing socks can now be used in our food and meal programming.”

Thank you to our community paramedic outreach team for organizing this incredible initiative. It was an excellent opportunity to provide our paramedics and staff with a gift to recognize their service, while also giving back to our community.

Community paramedics are specially-trained paramedics who provide scheduled, non-emergency care to eligible residents in their homes and communities. They help residents manage chronic conditions, access healthcare services, and remain safe and independent at home for longer. Community paramedics provide wellness checks, health assessments, remote monitoring, education, and connections to local supports. They help reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and improve overall quality of care.

Led by the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, The Hub is a 12-bed emergency shelter with drop-in and program space, located near key amenities. The Community Integrated Care Hub is a purpose-built space designed to provide low-barrier, person-centered services grounded in a harm reduction framework. Through a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach, The Hub centralizes services and offers wrap-around supports so people can access what they need in one place, from basic needs like showers, laundry, meals, and a safe overnight space, to connections with health and community supports.

By: Lindsay Advocate
Kawartha Lakes Weekly

06/14/2026

OTTAWA PARAMEDIC DISPATCH CENTRE RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION

The City of Ottawa says the Ottawa Paramedic Service Communications Centre was recognized for attaining the Accredited Centre of Excellence (ACE) designation.

The designation is awarded by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch and is given to dispatch centres that achieve “the highest level of triage and dispatching, quality assurance and clinical care,” the city says.

“Our emergency medical dispatchers are required to continuously exceed 97 per cent compliance with call taking protocols,” a news release said.

Officials, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, emergency and protective services committee chair Coun. Riley Brockington, and Ottawa Paramedic Service Chief Pierre Poirier were on hand Thursday to accept the designation.

“I have the utmost appreciation and admiration for our emergency medical dispatchers, paramedics, and all support staff for achieving this incredible milestone and ensuring Ottawa remains at the forefront of emergency response,” Poirier said. “This achievement is a reflection of your expertise, innovation, and passion for providing exceptional patient care in our community.”

The city credits the introduction of the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) in 2024 as a “foundational requirement” in achieving the prestigious accreditation. The system is more specific in triaging calls and determining when an ambulance with lights and siren should be dispatched. It replaced a system that had been developed in the 1980s and was criticized for over-triaging 9-1-1 calls.

The city says the change to the MPDS helped to significantly reduce “level zero” events, when no ambulance is available to take a call. New statistics show a nearly 99 per cent drop in the number of level zero instances in the last four years.

“I’m proud of the entire team at Ottawa Paramedic Service for achieving this designation and for the compassion, professionalism, and commitment they show to residents every single day,” Sutcliffe said.

“This recognition confirms what Ottawa residents already know: our paramedic service is among the very best. It reflects a culture of excellence in training, quality assurance, clinical care, and emergency dispatching, and recognizes the expertise and professionalism that our dispatchers bring to every call.”

The city says the Ottawa Paramedic Service was also recognized for creating and filling 141 new positions across the service since 2022, enhancing service to rural areas with response units dedicated to Kinburn, Richmond, and Metcalfe, and creating a Health and Wellbeing Unit with three permanent employees providing psychological support to staff.

The city is also working toward a new paramedic deployment facility in Barrhaven, which will provide more space for staff, vehicles and equipment and improve response times in the west and south of Ottawa.

“Achieving the Accredited Centre of Excellence designation is a testament to the unwavering commitment and inspiring dedication of everyone in the Ottawa Paramedic Service,” said Brockington. “By embracing innovative tools and global best practices, we’re ensuring that everyone in Ottawa receives the highest level of care and support during their most critical moments.”

By: Ted Raymond
CTV News

06/13/2026

OTTAWA PARAMEDICS SEE SIGNIFICANT DROP IN ‘LEVEL ZERO’ INCIDENTS IN 2025

The Ottawa Paramedic Service spent less time at “level zero” in 2025, as paramedics didn’t wait as long to off-load patients in the hospital emergency rooms.

However, a new report shows paramedics missed the council-approved response time targets for life-threatening calls last year

The 2025 Ottawa Paramedic Service annual report shows the paramedic service spent 866 minutes at “level zero” last year, down from 11,372 minutes in 2024 and 52,995 minutes in 2023.

The report shows over the past four years, the number of minutes paramedics spent at “level zero,” with no ambulances available to respond to calls for service in the community, have dropped by 98.8 per cent.

“Although there has been significant improvement, there should never be time when a paramedic crew is unavailable,” says the report by Ottawa Paramedic Chief Pierre Poirier.

According to the data, paramedics spent less time waiting to transfer a patient to the care of staff in an Ottawa hospital emergency room.

The industry accepted performance target to transfer patients to the care of a hospital is 30 minutes at the 90th percentile.

Poirier says council has invested in the paramedic service after 73,000 minutes at “level zero” in 2022.

“Ultimately, the answer should always be there. We’re going to continue to work on that,” Poirier told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with guest host Chris Holski on Friday.

“How we got there, first and foremost was support from our city council. We had an investment plan that was approved and we’ve hired over 140 staff over this term of council. City council also said that my mandate was to improve our response times, and this is a significant part of that.”

Poirier says the service has also had collaboration with hospitals to address paramedic wait times in the emergency departments.

“The hospitals have improved the triage at the hospitals; we’ve been part of those processes and we’re really proud of the achievement that’s occurred over the last several years.”

In a post on social media, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he was “incredibly proud” of the paramedic service.

“Since 2022, level zero events have dropped by almost 99 per cent. That means far fewer situations where no ambulance is available to respond,” Sutcliffe said.

“Over the past few years, the service has added more than 140 new staff, strengthened rural coverage, and continued to improve response times across the city.”

PARAMEDIC RESPONSE TIMES

While there were fewer “level zero” incidents with no paramedics available for service, the Ottawa Paramedic Service did not meet its response time targets for life-threatening calls.

Paramedics responded to life-threatening calls within 8 minutes 70.4 per cent of the time in 2025. The council approved target is within 8 minutes 75 per cent of the time.

“This shortfall is primarily attributed to a growing population, aging demographic, and health care system challenges,” the service said.

“The Council-approved 2024-2026 Ottawa Paramedic Service Investment Plan included 99 new paramedics and support staff positions. The operational benefits of the added resources have not yet been fully realized.”

Paramedics met the council-approved response time for CTAS 2,3, 4 and 5 calls.

The Ottawa Paramedic Service responded to 128,012 calls for service in 2025, up from 121,461 calls in 2024. There were 175,991 responses by paramedics last year, up from 173,053 responses in 2024.

By: Josh Pringle
CTV News

06/12/2026

COAST GUARD PERFORMS SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAINING WITH PARAMEDICS IN PARRY SOUND

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) held one of its final major search and rescue (SAR) training days in Parry Sound on Tuesday as crews prepare for their summer deployments.

With weeks of their annual spring emergency preparedness training under their belts, Tuesday was one of the last big tests for CCG SAR crews who will be deployed to the Arctic.

“This is a sort of a culminating exercise that brings together both their ability to navigate, their ability to operate, as well as some medical scenarios,” explained Robert Wilkins, CCG Senior SAR Programs Officer.

A total of 49 personnel from the CCG, Canadian Air Force, Parry Sound District Paramedics and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton teamed up for the day, practicing their coordinated responses to simulated emergencies.

In the water, they practiced situations that included navigating to other vessels for medical emergencies or supply sharing, searching for stranded victims and onshore landings for island emergencies.

“All of the experience that they’re having is essentially live and in situ as it would be in the case of a real search,” added Wilkins.

In the sky, the Griffon and Bell GlobalRanger helicopters were on full display.

SAR crews onboard the aircraft coordinate with SAR crews on land and water, practicing patient triage by air.

“It’s important for us to get the practice in, get the reps in, really understand the severity of certain situations, and get working as crews,” emphasized Galen Beerbaum, CCG SAR Specialist for the Arctic Marine Response Station.

On the ground, local paramedics were standing for simulated patients brought to them by Coast Guard vessels.

“We’re a water-based township,” said Adam Sheridan, Parry Sound District paramedic. “A lot of incidents happen out on the water. The more familiar we are with each other and our operations, the better we can deliver our patient care.”

With gusting winds and two-degree water temperatures, the CCG says spring conditions in the Parry Sound are similar to summer conditions in the Arctic.

“The opportunity to come and train in Ontario in the spring is very valuable for the crews,” concluded Wilkins.

The SAR crews that took part in Tuesday’s exerciser will be deployed to Nunavut in late June, where they will be stationed at the Rankin Inlet SAR Station until late fall.

By: Mike Lang
CTV News

06/11/2026

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The profession of paramedicine is rapidly evolving. Paramedics are providing more invasive skills and procedures than ever before, under an expanded Scope of Practice, while also working within an increasingly litigious environment. Paramedics may be unaware they are not covered or protected in many...

06/11/2026

Ottawa Paramedics send sincere condolences to family, friends and colleagues at Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Police Association.