Paramedics recognized for going above the call of duty 

[gallery columns="5" size="large" link="file" ids="15384,15387,15386,15383,15385"]   At the first in-person award ceremony since the beginning of the pandemic, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) handed out seven special awards to deserving recipients: five to paramedics going above and beyond, risking their own safety for the safety and protection of others, and two paramedic service leaders for their contributions to elevating paramedicine in Ontario. The special awards include the Dr. Norman H. McNally Award for acts of “conspicuous bravery,” and the Richard J....

108 Ontario paramedics receive exemplary service medals

On Thursday, October 6, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) awarded 108 paramedics the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. These paramedics come from 28 of the province's 56 paramedic services, including nine paramedics from Ornge air ambulance service. The award is presented to paramedics who have served for at least twenty years providing the highest quality of care. To qualify, at least ten of the years of service must have been on duty in the field – whether...

New OAPC President to focus on relieving system pressures

[caption id="attachment_13144" align="alignleft" width="300"] Chief Michael Sanderson, OAPC President[/caption] City of Hamilton Paramedic Chief, Michael Sanderson, stepped into his new role today as President of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) following the Thursday, October 6 annual general meeting. He announced three key priorities for his two-year term: Continuing to build on the momentum with the Ontario government and other stakeholders in the healthcare system to advance alternate models of care to relieve pressures on hospital emergency rooms; Focusing on...

OAPC Welcomes Expansion of Models of Care

The Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs applauds the Ontario Ministry of Health for expanding the 911 Models of Care pilot programs. “It was gratifying to hear Minister of Health Sylvia Jones commit to ensuring paramedics are able to deliver the right care, at the right time and at the right place,” said OAPC President Peter Dundas. The announcement comes as the OAPC met with Minister Jones and Long-Term Care Parliamentary Assistant John Jordan at the 2022 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference...

Wrapping up the end of Paramedic Services Week 2022 with Paramedic Services Recognition Day

Today is the last day of Paramedic Services Week 2022, which has been all about the ‘Faces of Paramedicine’. Each day of the week has had a specific theme aimed at educating the public on the many different and vital roles that exist within paramedic services.  “Everyday paramedics work in different ways in your community,” OAPC President Peter F. Dundas says. “We provide expert emergency care when the unexpected happens.  We help older adults stay safely at home for as long as...