Be Citizen Ready: Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose – Paramedic Services Week 2021 Blog Series

Throughout Canada the misuse of opioids, particularly fentanyl, is a growing public health crisis. In some parts of Ontario, paramedic services are responding to a record-breaking amount of calls related to Opioid overdose. Opioids—like fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone and hydromorphone—are medications that can help relieve pain. They can be legally prescribed or found in different forms illegally i.e. street drugs. For example, Fentanyl and other dangerous substances are being mixed with or disguised as other drugs like heroin, cocaine and ecstasy/MDMA....

27 May, 2021
Be Citizen Ready: Learn High-Quality CPR – Paramedic Services Week 2021 Blog Series

***Learn High-Quality, High Performance CPR with this FREE On-Demand Webinar courtesy of ZOLL: To access, complete this short registration form. *** While Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has changed many times over the years with new research and technology, the desired outcome from CPR efforts has not. The evolution of CPR has included an increased focus not only on WHAT we are doing or HOW we are doing, but also on the WAY we are doing it to achieve the most effective result. While...

26 May, 2021
Be Citizen Ready: Control the Bleed – Paramedic Services Week 2021 Blog Series

In as little time as it takes to read this page, someone who is severely bleeding can bleed to death. With such a time dependent situation, immediate “Citizen Ready” action can definitively make the difference between life and death. Upwards of 2,400 Canadians bleed to death every year and many may have been preventable with quicker interventions. Many times, the situations that result in severe bleeding happen without warning and tragedy can follow if unprepared. Uncontrolled bleeding is a major cause of preventable...

25 May, 2021
Be Citizen Ready: Your Guide to 9-1-1 – Paramedic Services Week 2021 Blog Series

In an emergency, seconds count. When medical emergencies occur, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number (if different). Trained emergency call takers will confirm your location, assess your situation and provide you with the assistance and information you need so that the most appropriate resources can be sent to you as soon as safely possible.  Key Facts At home, you can dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency number (if different) At a business or other location, you may need to dial an...

24 May, 2021
Paramedic Services Week 2021 – A Message from OAPC President Peter F. Dundas

To mark the beginning of Paramedic Services Week 2021 (May 23-29), OAPC President Chief Peter F. Dundas has recorded a video thanking paramedics for their “tireless work and dedication” through the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme for Paramedic Services Week 2021 is ‘Paramedic as Educator – Citizen Ready,’ which aims to demonstrate the important role that paramedics play as educators to the public. The OAPC will be posting more content on the website and social media through the week, with each day from...

23 May, 2021