Paramedic Services
FAQs
What is Pre-hosptial Emergency Services?
Definition of Pre-hospital Emergency Services
Our goal is to provide assistance within the best possible time frame, provide necessary care and offer access to the nearest appropriate facility.
In order to improve the quality of our service to the patients, our land ambulance services offer one level of service: Primary Care Paramedic.
Due to the long distances in our rural settings and extended needs of our patients, our paramedics can provide authorized medical procedures in order to assure rapid treatment to a person in distress.
What Vehicles are in the Paramedic Fleet?
Fleet
TYPE 3 AMBULANCE
Cochrane District EMS Fleet consists of 20 Type Three Ambulances. Are ambulances are staffed with two primary care paramedics and respond to emergency calls. Generally these ambulances carry one patient however most have the capability of carrying two patients.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNITS
Our Three Command Units are typically staffed with one commander. These vehicles are fully equipped with medical equipment and able to respond to emergency calls. These vehicles are located in Timmins and in Hearst/Kapuskasing. These vehicles allow for additional operational support and incident response.
ADMINISTRATION VEHICLES
CDEMS has three Administration trucks. These vehicles are primarily assigned to the leadership and administration team in order to transport equipment and resources to various bases within our district.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT TRAILER
The support trailer is fully stocked with medical supplies capable of re-stocking several ambulances and deployed during a Multi Casualty Incident. The trailer is equipment with Fleet Net and Satellite radios allowing for full communication with the district ambulance communication center. The trailer located in Timmins is a 24 ft. trailer equipped with command center and specialty tactical equipment.
FLEET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
In order to provide safe and well maintained ambulance and response vehicles, CDEMS utilizes a comprehensive Fleet management program consistent with MOHLTC guidelines.
Vehicles are provided with and “A” schedule service every 8000km, a “B” service every 18000km and a yearly inspection to ensure that they remain mechanically sound.
How are calls categorized? Type of calls
Our paramedics respond to medical calls and inter-hospital transfers.
Emergency medical calls are categorized by code.
Code 1 – Non-emergency transportation (return or transfer)
Code 2 – Scheduled transportation
Code 3 – Urgent, but the patient’s life is not compromised
Code 4 – Critical, the patient’s life could be compromised
Code 8 – Standby
How can I become a Paramedic?
Hiring Process
Cochrane District EMS hires on a need basis, CDSB encourages applicants to submit their resume via online or by regular mail to the attention of the Director and Chief. Only those applicants selected for testing will be contacted. Testing is consisted of a lifting segment, a patient care scenario and an interview. Successful applicants are then required to write an exam, complete two verbal scenarios and a practical patient care scenario. Base Hospital, under the direction of Health Sciences North Medical Direction, is responsible for Certification and Medical Delegation at the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic(ACP), a rigorous Quality Assurance Program to ensure the safe delivery of pre-hospital care and Medical Education to 9 Designated Delivery Agents, encompassing 13 land ambulance services, and over 650 paramedics.
Becoming a Paramedic
Admission Requirements for Ontario Primary Care Paramedic Programs
In Ontario, anyone who wishes to become a Primary Care Paramedic must attend a recognized 2 year Primary Care Paramedic program in a community college. Most colleges require proof of the following prerequisites before you apply to their program:
Current Standard First Aid (or equivalent) certificate
Current CPR (Level-C) – Basic Cardiac Life Support
Senior math, biology, chemistry and English high school courses
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
Class ‘F’ Driver’s License – Ontario
Current Immunizations (including Hepatitis A/B, Chicken Pox & Influenza vaccine)
Be free of all Communicable Diseases
Be physically fit & able to lift
Possess good communication skills & be able to fluently read & write English
Be at least 18 years of age upon completion of the program
Does Cochrane District EMS have a Community Paramedic Program?
Community Paramedic Program
Since the inception of the program in Cochrane District EMS, the communities of Smooth Rock Falls and Hearst have been very appreciative of the program. Each of the pilot Communities has held various Wellness clinics where the patients are assessed and their vitals are taken and recorded in the patient’s own pocket book which has been supplied by Cochrane District EMS. The communities of Smooth rock falls have received a vast amount of home referrals from physicians for follow up or assessments.
CDSB EMS is currently collaborating with MacMaster University with our CP@home and CP@Clinic programs. The goal of these studies is to demonstrate an improved quality of life for our seniors while aging at home. These program are delivered by front line paramedics and supported by the Ministry of Health and the NELHIN.
The goal of the community paramedicine programs are to help seniors and other patients live independently longer, and reduce emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
CPRM
CPRM stands for Community Paramedicine Remote Patient Monitoring. It is a program where we monitor your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) from the comfort of your home. Vitals are taken by the patient and the results are emailed to the local paramedics in the community. Based on your vitals the Paramedics may call you to discuss your health and if need be make a home visit to discuss your health requirements and transport you the hospital if your condition is serious. The Paramedics also have the option with your permission to refer you to other allied agencies such as CCAC, Home Care, Diabetic Nurse, Meals on wheels and even your family doctor. CPRM does not replace the 911 Emergency System but is another tool the Cochrane District EMS uses to help us serve the patients in the Cochrane District.
Ambulance Andy
Ambulance Andy was purchased by Cochrane CDSB Children Services along with Cochrane District EMS in 2012.Andy is remote controlled Ambulance that is used for various events including children’s presentations or other community events.
The goal for Andy when he is being used is injury prevention for the children, hazard awareness, and EMS promotion. Andy is used to make children aware of dangers and how to react to them Andy’s home is 500 Algonquin Blvd East at the EMS Headquarters however; he may be relocated to any other CDSSAB location for presentations.
Andy the ambulance is geared towards children three to five years of age. Andy’s features are he can remotely be controlled by a Paramedic and offer voice support or answer kids questions, Andy is a fully animated, industrial-grade safety education robot; he moves, carries on a 2-way conversation, plays music, and activates his lights and siren, all by remote control. Andy comes equipped with a working rear door and his warning lights flash just like a real ambulance. Andy can wink, blink, and move his eyes, and smile with his mouth, he presents a positive and friendly image to young and old alike. He can communicate with them at their level; when he moves he is not at all threatening. He is perfect for hugs and kisses from small friends.
Andy is agile enough to maneuver easily in school classrooms and other restricted areas. Andy can be used to help children be familiar with paramedics and other allied resources. Andy is highly visible. Andy will greatly enhance and add excitement to your new or existing education program. Please if you have an event and require Andy call 705 268 7722. To make a booking or inquire about Andy visiting your facility please call or contact Cochrane District EMS and ask to have Andy at your next event.
Community Involvement
Cochrane District EMS Paramedics are involved in all of the communities the work and live in. They provide EMS coverage for special events such as; Truck Fest, Lumberjack Festival, Bike Rodeos, Triathlons, Major sporting events and July 1st festivities. Event coverage is provided on request and an evaluation of community risks and demands.
Paramedics also volunteer throughout the year to support several charities and clubs. These events include TADH Face off for Funds, Santa Clause Parade, food drive, Pad Program, school presentation, the benevolent society, Volley ball games. The Paramedics provide this support by fundraising and participating in organized events.