Toronto Paramedic Association

09/06/2026

PARAMEDIC WELLNESS CLINICS COMING TO HALIBURTON COUNTY

The County of Haliburton’s Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) program, Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), and Haliburton County Community Paramedics (HCPS) have announced a series of free wellness clinics across the Highlands.

The partners described them as “friendly, drop-in events” that will bring healthcare related community support agencies together in accessible settings, making it easier for residents to find useful information, services, and connections, in one convenient place.

They are designed for older adults, but open to residents of all ages.

The County said on Aug. 18 that the clinics will offer a one stop shop approach.

“These are wellness clinics, and not medical clinics. A primary care provider will not be on site. Residents do not need a family doctor to attend, and no appointment is required,” the County said.

It added that support for caregiver respite on site will be available with a personal support worker attending. Free local event transportation will also be available for community members who book in advance. Call 705-286-1333 x.243 to inquire/book in advance. Light refreshments and snacks will be available on-site.

The County said that by removing the need for appointments, and connecting multiple partners in familiar community spaces, the clinics aim to reduce barriers for residents who may benefit from timely information, referrals, screenings, education or connection to local supports.

On-site services could include: blood pressure checks; flu vaccinations; point-of-care glucose testing; inhaler education; connection to community supports; and medication reviews. Services may vary by location.

County warden Dave Burton said they were excited to welcome residents to the free events and to work together with partners to support community well-being. He added it is “about meeting people where they are, and making it easier to access the information and supports that can help them stay well and connected.”

By: Lisa Gervais
The Highlander

09/05/2026

CITY WITH THE HIGHEST OPIOID-RELATED DEATH RATE IN ONTARIO HONOURS LIVES LOST TO OVERDOSE

Krista Vescio has been in recovery from drug addiction for nearly 16 years but the Thunder Bay, Ont., woman said the decision to stop using was rooted in grief.

Her sister died of a drug overdose in 2007, leaving five children behind.

“When my sister passed away, unfortunately it was the worst day of my life but a blessing as well, ‘cause I got myself clean,” Vescio said. “Here we are, 16 years in September, and going strong.”

Vescio was among dozens of participants in a walk led by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) on Wednesday to raise awareness of the drug crisis.

The Thunder Bay district has the highest opioid-related death rate in Ontario at more than five times the provincial average in 2025, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Those at Wednesday’s walk made their way from Marina Park to the Intercity Shopping Centre, a roughly five-kilometre route bringing them to another overdose awareness event hosted by the City of Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU).

Vescio said there needs to be more resources available to help people when they’re ready for it.

“It's gotta start somewhere, right?” she said.

Anna Betty Achneepineskum is a deputy grand chief with NAN and a member of Marten Falls First Nation. She’s long advocated for more support in the city, including long-term, sustainable funding for agencies that work directly with those affected.

“We do have detox centres here but I don't believe they're adequate to be able to support the need,” Achneepineskum said.

“We also need to ensure that there is a transition and aftercare for individuals that are coming out of recovery — that is very important — and we need to ensure that there is housing for individuals that are looking to get help and to recover from drug addictions.”

‘IT'S NEVER TOO LATE’

There were 61 confirmed opioid-related deaths in the Thunder Bay district last year, the Office of the Chief Coroner reports.

By: Sarah Law
CBC News

09/04/2026

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS

You protect lives every day. Let us help you secure peace of mind and protect what is rightfully yours.

Call 1-416-362-4567 or submit a contact form and use code PARAMEDIC10 to get 10% off your first bill.

More info:

You protect lives every day. Let us help you secure peace of mind and protect what is rightfully yours.  Call 1-416-362-4567 or submit a contact form and use code PARAMEDIC10 to get 10% off your first bill.

09/04/2026

LANARK COUNTY FEMALE FIRST RESPONDERS CAMP RETURNS THIS FALL TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF PARAMEDICS, FIREFIGHTERS AND MORE

Young women across Lanark County will have the opportunity to gain hands-on emergency response experience and explore careers as first responders this fall as the Lanark County Female First Responders Camp returns for another year.

The two-day immersive program, open to all self-identifying females between the ages of 15 and 21 who live in Lanark County, will take place Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Perth Fire Services, 1881 Rogers Rd.

According to a release from the Town of Carleton Place, the annual camp is designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and career awareness, while introducing participants to the realities of working in emergency services with hands-on training led by local first responders.

The camp is supported by various emergency service agencies from across the region, including Lanark County Fire Departments, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), Smiths Falls Police Service, the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Throughout the weekend, participants will learn how to use personal protective equipment, perform basic first aid and CPR, manage emergency scenes, and take part in activities such as vehicle extrication and search-and-rescue exercises.

In addition to learning practical emergency response skills, participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other professionals in the field, giving them a unique inside look at emergency services careers, while building relationships with local mentors.

Organizers say they hope the camp encourages more young women to consider careers in emergency services by providing a supportive environment where they can learn, develop practical skills, and gain confidence.

By: Lanarkist

09/03/2026

FIRST RESPONDERS RAISING MONEY AND AWARENESS ABOUT LACK OF PTSD SUPPORTS IN ONTARIO

Chris Fedorko didn’t really think that hanging out with a horse would help him with his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it has.

“I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t want to do it that day. I was busy. I had so much stuff on the go. And then when I came out here, I forgot about all that stuff. We’re here for about an hour and a half, and it was probably the most enjoyable time of my life, to be honest with you,” said the Huron County OPP officer.

Fedorko was diagnosed with PTSD in 2023, following a 2019 on-the-job incident.

“There’s a large group of us that are off work with a work-related injury, dealing with severe PTSD, and I’ll be honest, we’re getting very little, if any support from our organization and employer. And that needs to change,” said Fedorko.

Fedorko and 16-year military veteran Mark Morse will be completing their 2nd annual ruck march from Goderich to Port Franks next month to raise awareness about the lack of PTSD supports for first responders in Canada.

“Thirty-six per cent of first responders will not complete their careers. Most of them, they will retire in their 30s or 40s due to PTSD. There’s a lot of bravado that comes out with the job. That’s driven by leadership. And society doesn’t see the people behind the uniform. They forget what they’re dealing with when they go home after the calls,” said Morse, who started the Morse March in honour of his 32-year-old cousin, a military veteran who died by su***de in 2016.

The money raised from the Morse Memorial March goes towards an equine therapy program specifically designed for first responders in Western Canada. But Morse and Fedorko want to see a similar program started in Huron County, at Poppy’s Haven near Varna.

“It’s not your typical therapy where you sit there and you talk about your trauma, which gets me emotional talking about it. You don’t talk about it. You’re just with the horse, they read you, you read them, and it’s just not typical therapy. It’s very rewarding, if I can use words,” said Fedorko.

By: Scott Miller
CTV News

09/02/2026

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09/02/2026

DRIVERS TICKETED FOR NOT STOPPING FOR PARAMEDICS

Police in Stratford have ticketed two drivers, one from St. Marys, another from New York, after officers said the two vehicles did not stop and pull over when an ambulance was driving by.

Sunday around 3:00 p.m., police said an ambulance was heading southbound on Road 119 near Line 29 on the outer edge of Stratford.

A police cruiser was on the other side of the roadway, and noticed two vehicles continue driving.

That ticket comes with a $490 fine and three demerit points.

“In Ontario, you must stop on the right for any approaching police vehicle, ambulance, or fire department vehicle,” said police.

“Additionally, please yield to our dedicated volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies with a green light.”

By: Christine Clark
City News Everywhere

09/01/2026

THANK YOU TO NORFOLK COUNTY PARAMEDICS

This is a supplied photo Mark and his wife Jaci (she passed away this summer).

Mark wanted the OPA to send out a thank you to the amazing paramedics in Norfolk County.

In Mark’s words, “My wife Jaci would not have lived as long as she did had it not been for the services of the paramedics in our area of Norfolk”.

We thank paramedics for all you do to show up in someone else’s time of need and make it better.

08/31/2026

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.

08/31/2026

ESSEX-WINDSOR PARAMEDICS TO LAUNCH NEW DISPATCH SYSTEM

Essex-Windsor Paramedics will roll out a new dispatch system next month.

Starting September 16, calls for an ambulance in Windsor-Essex will be handled by a new Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS).

"MPDS is designed with one clear purpose: to make sure that people experiencing life‑threatening emergencies receive help as quickly as possible," said Chief Justin Lammers. "It helps ensure that someone who is experiencing an urgent or life-threatening event receives an ambulance ahead of someone dealing with a non-urgent, non-life-threatening injury."

The MPDS is a software-based system that triages 9-1-1 calls based on call severity.

The system includes the ability for dispatchers to ask callers additional questions to determine the severity of the incident.

Lammers did acknowledge that those with less serious complaints will have to wait longer for an ambulance under the new system.

"This isn’t a flaw in the system. It’s the system working exactly as intended to protect lives and preserve critical paramedic resources for the people who need them most," said Lammers.

Complete information on Essex-Windsor Paramedics' new MPDS can be found on Essex County's official website.

By: Mark Brown
Sarnia News Today