Simcoe County Paramedics of OPSEU Local 303

Simcoe County Paramedics of OPSEU Local 303 We are the professional Paramedics who serve the citizens of Simcoe County and the Cities of Barrie

On behalf of the County of Simcoe Paramedics OPSEU Local 303, our collective hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss...
08/31/2026

On behalf of the County of Simcoe Paramedics OPSEU Local 303, our collective hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of one of our recently retired colleagues, Dave, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dave was the definition of a "Paramedic's Paramedic." Over a remarkable 35-year career, his dedication spanned every level of our field, progressing from P*P to ACP, and ultimately to CCP qualifications. His exceptional care touched countless lives across Ontario, including service with Northumberland (since 2005), Toronto, MoH Air Ambulance, Durham, and Hastings-Quinte. Beyond our provincial borders, Dave provided critical care internationally, repatriating Ontarians from across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He also gave back to the profession as a devoted educator, teaching and shaping future paramedics through the Peterborough and Durham Base Hospital groups.

With a background as vast as his, one can only begin to appreciate the lasting impact Dave had on his patients, their families, and his colleagues. To those who worked the road alongside him, Dave was a brilliant practitioner, a steadfast mentor, a compassionate provider, and above all, a true friend. He will be sorely missed by many.
While we are deeply saddened as a paramedic family, the members of OPSEU Local 303 wish to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife, his family, and his many close friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in Peace, Dave. 🕊️

It is with heavy hearts that the paramedics of OPSEU Local 303 share in the mourning of a trusted colleague and friend. ...
08/27/2026

It is with heavy hearts that the paramedics of OPSEU Local 303 share in the mourning of a trusted colleague and friend. We stand in solidarity with our partners at the Barrie Police Service following the devastating loss of Sgt. Brett Carleton.

​Responding to emergencies side-by-side, we witness firsthand the profound impact officers have on our community. Sgt. Carleton was a highly respected police officer whose dedication and commitment touched many families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Having served since 2000, he will forever be remembered as a deeply valued member of the Service and our broader first responder family.

​To his family, loved ones, and our colleagues at Barrie Police: we offer our unwavering support, our love, and our deepest understanding for your need for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

​Rest easy, Sgt. Carleton. We have the watch from here. 💙🚑🚓





08/11/2026

One of our crews attended a scene on the 401 today - our services were not actually required.

However, in case you're wondering.......this is EXACTLY what the view in the mirror should look like - anytime there is an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or disabled vehicle parked on the shoulder. Thank you to all the drivers, on a busy holiday Monday afternoon drive, for moving over to the middle or far left lane. May make for a short inconvenience and slower drive - but will make it safet for everyone!

07/21/2026

Ever wonder why individuals who are visibly high are sometimes left on the streets instead of being removed?

Sgt. Matte from the Barrie Police Service Community Safety and Wellbeing Unit breaks down the legal reality, and as your Simcoe County Paramedics of OPSEU Local 303, we want to shed light on our side of the response.

Here is why this complex situation happens:

🚓 The Police Perspective
As Sgt. Matte explains, police hands are often tied by legislation:

⚖️The Law: While police can arrest someone for public intoxication by alcohol under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, there is no equivalent charge for drugs under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act.

👮‍♀️No Authority to Arrest: Police simply do not have the legal power to arrest or remove someone from a public space solely for being high on drugs.

📜The Procedure: Instead of making an arrest, officers conduct a well-being check and call Paramedic Services to perform a medical assessment.

🚑 Our Perspective (Simcoe County Paramedics - OPSEU Local 303)

When we are called to the scene, our goal is strictly healthcare, safety, and harm reduction:

⚕️Medical Assessment: We respond to evaluate the individual's physical condition and determine if they are in medical distress.

🏨Hospital Transport: If our assessment determines they need further medical care, we will strongly recommend and offer transport to the hospital.

🗣Patient Autonomy: Here is the crucial part the public often misses, anyone can legally refuse medical treatment. If an individual is conscious, legally capable, and refuses our medical services, they cannot be forced into an ambulance against their will.

Community safety is a collaborative effort. We work closely with our local police partners every day to ensure care and support are offered, but both police and paramedics are bound by the laws and rights that govern our professions.

Stay safe, look out for one another, and always call 911 if you believe someone is in a life-threatening medical emergency.





07/02/2026

A true gem! Enjoy your well earned retirement Brett!

Working on a holiday is always a little easier with some help from our friends in the community! 🍁 A massive shoutout to...
07/01/2026

Working on a holiday is always a little easier with some help from our friends in the community! 🍁

A massive shoutout to the amazing team at the Stroud Tim Hortons for stopping by to surprise our medics with fresh coffee and donuts.

Thank you for thinking of us and keeping our crews energized this Canada Day! 🇨🇦☕❤️





Sending our deepest condolences to the Paramedic family of Karlee Burgess.  The loss of a colleague, friend and family m...
06/29/2026

Sending our deepest condolences to the Paramedic family of Karlee Burgess. The loss of a colleague, friend and family member is always tough.

Our thoughts are with you all doing this difficult time.

06/19/2026

A bittersweet and unforgettable weekend at the 2026 Barrie Air Show! ✈️🇨🇦

Members of the Simcoe County Paramedics Special Events Team (OPSEU Local 303) were deeply honoured to be on the ground supporting this historic community event.

This marks the final season for the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds and their CT-114 Tutor jets, which have been flying since 1971. As the team prepares to be grounded until the early 2030s to await their new aircraft, we feel so lucky to have been there for one of their last breathtaking performances.

Thank you for the memories! 🚑☁️❤️







County of Simcoe
The City of Barrie

06/14/2026

Trading the sirens for the seventh-inning stretch! The County of Simcoe Paramedics of OPSEU Local 303 had an amazing time swapping our uniforms for some Jays gear. Great game, great crew, and some well-deserved time off the clock! Let's go Blue Jays! 💙🐦





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