Toronto Paramedic Association

05/31/2026

REPORTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PARAMEDICS CONTINUE TO RISE: DATA

TIMMINS - Reports of violence against paramedics in the Cochrane District continue to rise, with physical assaults in the first five months of 2026 already surpassing all of last year’s total.

Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) data show that 28 violence-related incidents have been reported through the External Violence Incident Reporting (EVIR) system since structured reporting started.

Those incidents include nine physical assaults, 18 cases of verbal abuse, three reports of sexual harassment, and two complaints of intimidation. One paramedic injury was also reported.

The report shared at the May 21 CDSB meeting also identified a weapon-related safety concern in March and an incident in April where a paramedic needed medical assessment after being assaulted.

Last month, the board learned that two people were charged in separate incidents involving assaults on paramedics who were responding to emergency calls. Since then, one more person has been charged.

TimminsToday asked CDSB where the charges were laid, but did not receive a response before publication.

Paramedic service chief Marc Renaud said the numbers show both ongoing safety concerns and a change in workplace culture that now encourages staff to report incidents that might have been documented before.

“Overall, the report reinforces that violence toward paramedics is not acceptable, and CDPS (Cochrane District Paramedic Service) will continue to promote reporting for staff for their safety, for public awareness, and for accountability,” he told board members.

Since CDSB started formally tracking in September 2024, reports have continued to rise.

CDPS recorded two incidents from September to December 2024, then 10 incidents in all of 2025. By May 6 of this year, 16 incidents had already been reported.

Physical assaults have increased, from one reported in all of 2025 to eight in the first five months of 2026.

Renaud explained that paramedics have emergency alert systems in their radios that instantly notify dispatch and police if crews are in danger.

“Our portable radios do have panic buttons that immediately sound an alarm at our dispatch centre, and it stops all transmissions, and the police are notified that it's an urgent call for them,” he said.

The service has also put up warning posters inside ambulances to let people know that abusive behaviour toward paramedics could lead to charges. They are now looking into a wider public awareness campaign.

“We're also going to start working on a public awareness campaign,” Renaud said. “I don't think we did a great job of that when we started this program a few years back.”

According to the report, incidents have occurred in multiple settings, including on scene, during patient transport and inside hospitals.

The report also notes that partnerships with the Timmins Police Service and the OPP have grown stronger as concerns have increased.

By: Marissa Lentz-McGrath
TIMMINS TODAY

05/30/2026

Ontario Paramedics are thinking of all of those involved in this multi-vehicle head-on crash west of Smiths Falls that involved an ambulance and extend our consideration and empathy to the families of those affected.

ONE PERSON DEAD, CHILD CRITICALLY INJURED AND TWO PARAMEDICS IN HOSPITAL

One person is dead and a child is in critical condition following a three-vehicle collision outside of Smiths Falls that injured three others on Friday afternoon, according to emergency responders.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the collision along Highway 15 in Lombardy, a community southwest of Ottawa, just before 4:30 p.m., police wrote in a post to social media.

Paramedics say a child was airlifted to CHEO's pediatric trauma centre, and two others were transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene, paramedics said, noting a fifth person sustained minor injuries.

Following the collision, Highway 15 is shut down between County Road 1 and County Road 5.

"Motorists should expect a lengthy road closure as the investigation at scene continues," OPP wrote in a statement.

By: CBC News

UPDATED: TWO PARAMEDICS RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL AFTER SERIOUS HIGHWAY 15 COLLISION NEAR LOMBARDY

Two paramedics have been released from hospital after a serious collision involving an ambulance on Highway 15 near Lombardy late yesterday afternoon.

The crash closed Highway 15 from County Road 1 to County Road 5 as emergency crews responded to what was described as a serious multi-vehicle collision. Early reports indicated the incident involved a head-on collision with an ambulance. There is no update on the condition of the occupant(s) of the other vehicle.

According to Lanark County Scanner, an Ornge air ambulance helicopter landed at the Lombardy Fairgrounds as the response unfolded. Injuries were being assessed at the scene, and drivers were asked to avoid the area, use alternate routes and follow the direction of officers.

In a statement, officials confirmed one of their ambulances was involved in the collision. The two paramedics inside were taken to The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, where they were treated for their injuries and later released.

Officials say they are still gathering confirmed information and are working closely with partner agencies as the investigation continues. Because the process is ongoing, no further details are being released at this time.

The closure was expected to be lengthy while police and emergency responders remained on scene.

Officials also extended thanks to all emergency responders who attended, recognizing their professionalism and care during a difficult call.

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved and all those affected by this incident,” the statement said.

Anyone travelling through the area is reminded to plan ahead when serious collisions occur, allow extra time, and give emergency crews the space they need to work safely.

By: 88.1 myFM News

05/25/2026

EXCLUSIVE OPA MEMBER OFFERS: Google Pixel 10 for $0/mo + Win a Free Koena Spa Package for 2

You've earned this — unlock exclusive Rogers savings and a chance to win a free luxury spa day for 2, just for being an OPA member.

Grab the Google Pixel 10 for $0/mo, pocket $100 in bill credits when you add a line, and enter to win a Koena Spa package loaded with 2 Swedish massages, full Thermal Experience access, bathrobes, and a $100 dining gift card.

You've earned this — unlock exclusive Rogers savings and a chance to win a free luxury spa day for 2, just for being an OPA member. Grab the Google Pixel 10 for $0/mo, pocket $100 in bill credits when you add a line, and enter to win a Koena Spa package loaded with 2 Swedish massages, full Thermal...

05/24/2026

GREATER SUDBURY CELEBRATES PARAMEDIC SERVICES WEEK

It’s Paramedic Services Week and on May 19, Greater Sudbury recognized and celebrated the dedicated paramedics who serve the community.

Gino St. Jean, who is now retired, said he started in 1989 and has seen paramedicine evolve through the years.

“When I started, we had oxygen and a blanket,” St. Jean said.

“Then it progressed forward to a defibrillator (and) being able to give some medication. And then up to today, doing cardioversion, intubation, IVs and a plethora of medication and other things that we can do to help people stay at home rather than always going to the (emergency department).

While he said there were “ups and downs” in his years of service, one thing stayed the same.

“The best moments were making a difference and taking care of people,” St. Jean said.

Jorja Weicker, who is new to the profession, said he just wants to be working in the field helping people.

“Doing what I can to help everybody at what they would consider the worst points in their lives,” Weicker said.

“I consider it an honour and a privilege to be able to do that for them.”

ABOUT 35,000 CALLS IN SUDBURY A YEAR

The theme for this year’s week is ‘Better Care Starts Here.’

Aaron Archibald, the city’s chief of paramedic services, said they handle about 35,000 calls a year.

“We’ll have upwards of anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 patients rostered in our community paramedic program,” Archibald said.

“So we’re doing everything from offering clinics to shelters, integrated into housing units.”

With the 10 new hires sworn in at a May 19 ceremony, Greater Sudbury now has around 200 people working in paramedic services.

While staffing levels are stable right now, Archibald said recruitment and retention continue to be a challenge.

Especially knowing that the population is growing but also aging rapidly in the community.

“We work very closely with our community colleges and partners here to ensure that once we hire new staff, they’re onboarded and are committed,” he said.

“Hopefully they will make Sudbury their home.”

City council has also voted to fund an advanced care paramedic program. Archibald said 11 staff will graduate this fall through the partnership with College Boreal.

By: Lyndsay Aelick
CTV News

05/23/2026

KAWARTHA LAKES CELEBRATES PARAMEDICS SERVICES WEEK

Paramedic Services Week is May 17 to 23. Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service is taking the opportunity to celebrate the dedicated paramedics who provide compassionate, high-quality care to our community every day.

Throughout the week, residents may see paramedics out in the community taking part in school visits, outreach activities, and recognition events celebrating local paramedic staff, including celebrity server night.

CELEBRITY SERVER NIGHT: MAY 19

One of the highlights of the week is the annual celebrity server night at Boston Pizza (435 Kent St W, Lindsay) on Tuesday, May 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Your favourite local emergency response “celebrities” will be taking over as servers for the evening, bringing the fun straight to your table. Expect good vibes, friendly competition, and maybe even a few surprise moments along the way.

Even better, 10 per cent of all proceeds from the evening will support BGC Kawarthas, so every bite helps make a difference in our community.

BETTER CARE STARTS HERE

This year’s Paramedic Services Week theme, “Better Care Starts Here,” recognizes the important role paramedics play in delivering compassionate, evidence-informed care while working closely with healthcare partners and the community to support better patient outcomes. Paramedics continue to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the quality of care for the communities they serve.

“During Paramedic Services Week, we recognize the care our team provides every day and the way they support patients and each other,” said Chief Sara Johnston in a press release. “Paramedicine has evolved far beyond transporting patients. Today, our paramedics are highly skilled clinicians delivering care in complex and often unpredictable environments. What stands out most is the compassion they bring to every call. Behind each interaction is a person and a story that matters. I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the care they provide to our community.”

Learn more about Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service and how to become a Paramedic at www.kawarthalakes.ca/paramedics

By: Lindsay Advocate
Kawartha Lales Weekly

05/22/2026

PARAMEDICS AND HOSPITALS PREPARE FOR THE WORLD CUP IN TORONTO

Hospitals across the GTA are bracing for a potential surge in patients when soccer fans start streaming into Toronto next month. Brandon Choghri with whether our paramedics will be able to handle the load.

By: Brandon Choghri
CityNews

05/21/2026

PARAMEDIC WEEK - ACTOR MOONLIGHTING AS DOCTOR STARS AS PARAMEDIC IN 'VITALS'

Vitals, a play that follows the experiences of a Toronto Medic and the shifts in health care is being re-imagined for 2026 after its original run in 2014.

By: CP24

05/20/2026

PARAMEDIC WEEK - MEET ORNGE SUDBURY'S 4-PAWED MOUSER, ZULU

Two years ago an air paramedic base in Sudbury hired a team member with four paws and gave them an important job: keeping mice away. ORNGE staff have now moved to a new base. While Zulu's mousing skills are less in demand, the cat is an important morale booster, bringing comfort and a sense of calm to a high-pressure workplace.

By: CBC News

05/19/2026

MINORITY HEALTH RESEARCH

Are you a paramedic, or public safety personnel and identify as a racial or ethnic minority? We want to hear from you!

Our goal is to explore how your racial and/or ethnic identity shapes your professional identity, influences mental health, functioning, moral injury, and resilience.

Are you a paramedic, or public safety personnel and identify as a racial or ethnic minority? We want to hear from you!  Our goal is to explore how your racial and/or ethnic identity shapes your professional identity, influences mental health, functioning, moral injury, and resilience.

05/19/2026

PARAMEDIC WEEK - OTTAWA CHILDREN HONOURED AFTER MAKING LIFESAVING 9-1-1 CALLS

Three young heroes in Ottawa are being recognized for how they responded in a crisis, calling for help when it mattered most.

Kailey Nathoo, 11, Christly Dana Julsaint, 12, and Reem Al Amhad Al Hasan, 11, were honoured on Monday through the 9-1-1 Children’s Achievement Awards for their quick thinking, bravery, and good judgement during an emergency situation.

When Nahtoo’s grandfather fell and hit his head, she knew she had to act fast.

“When you’re calling 9-1-1, don’t hesitate, you just have to do it,” Nathoo says.

On the other end of the line, a dispatcher helped guide her through the emergency, keeping her calm and walking her through what to do until first responders arrived.

“They keep explaining to me what to do and how to let police in and to get a cloth to put on my grandpa’s head,” Nathoo recalls.

That calm under pressure stood out to the dispatcher.


“She was calm, cool and collected, like a lot of people are not in that kind of situation,” said Paramedic Communications Officer Emilie Brenning, who spoke with Nathoo during the call. “She followed the directions very well.”

While it was a tense moment, Nathoo’s family says they’re proud of how she handled it.

“She was able to help save her family, help a family member at a time of need, it’s amazing,” says her mother, Colleen Nathoo.

Her bravery and that of two other children is now being recognized by the city through the Children’s 9-1-1 achievement awards.

Julsaint called 9-1-1 when her cousin fainted at a birthday party.

“I was pretty scared and nervous, but I decided to stay calm,” she says. “They were telling me instructions and what to do, and I was following and listening closely so I could actually save her life.”

Al Ahmad Al Hasan is also being recognized after calling for help when her five-year-old sister had trouble breathing due to asthma. She stayed on the line with paramedics, translating for her mother.

“My English has improved, and I know what to say… I’m going to answer all the question so easily,” she said.

The award honours children 12 and under who effectively used 9-1-1 during emergencies, something paramedics say can make a critical difference.

“They were not only able to call 9-1-1, but to tell us where they are, what is going on, and answer our dispatchers’ questions so we can direct the right help as quickly as possible,” says Marc-Antoine Deschamps with the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

“Children, if they see an emergency, we don’t want them to be scared of calling 9-1-1. Even if they call 9-1-1 by mistake, that happens, the only thing that we ask is that they stay on the line so we don’t think that it’s a real emergency that just got disconnected, so they’re not in trouble,” Deschamps adds.

For Nathoo, the message is simple, and one she hopes other kids will remember.

“If you don’t call, maybe they can’t get the help that they need… you need to call so they can get the right help.”

By: Joshua Marano
CTV News