Paramedics of Ontario have a proud history of providing excellent Emergency Medical Services

They provide primary and advanced pre hospital care and rapid safe transport to appropriate health care facilities for patients.

The scope of medical services provided and the advanced training they undergo have evolved to the extent that their involvement in medical emergencies is critical to the outcome for the patient and can mean the difference between life and death.

CAW has sent a letter in conjunction with the three other unions that represent ambulance personnel in Ontario requesting input and discussion of the concept of the enhanced role for firefighters in providing medical emergency services. This is an idea that has been promoted from time to time as a cost effective way of organizing emergency response services. It is the understanding of the union that this has most recently been promoted by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association.

The unions have jointly requested a meeting with the Minister of Community Safety, responsible for the Office of the Fire Marshall to allow for direct information flow from paramedics on the above noted issue.

For more information please contact Jason Cummings, CAW Local 229 Financial Secretary at jccaw229@tbaytel.net