Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario Winter 2010/2011
Performance, Leadership High Tech and Diversity vs. The Status Quo
Exploding Need How is AMEMSO vs. Limited Resources addressing the Profession’s competing Urban vs. Rural areas of focus? Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40609661
EMS Matters The official magazine of the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario Winter 2010/2011 Published for: The Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO) Norm Gale, President Chief of EMS Superior North Emergency Medical Services City of Thunder Bay 401 E Donald Street Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5V1 www.emsontario.ca Opinions expressed in articles, reports or other content within EMS Matters are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of AMEMSO or its Board of Directors. Published by: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Publication Mail Agreement Number 40609661 Return Undeliverable Addresses to: 52 Donald Street, Suite 300 Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L6 Toll Free Phone: (866) 999-1299 contents Toll Free Fax: (866) 244-2544 www.matrixgroupinc.net Messages: President & CEO 7 Message from the President of AMEMSO, Norm Gale Jack Andress 7 Farewell Message from the Past President of AMEMSO, Paul Charbonneau Senior Publisher 8 Message from the AMEMSO Communications and Media Relations Officer, Jim Price Maurice LaBorde Publishers Peter Schulz Cover Story: Jessica Potter 9 Performance, Leadership and Diversity Trish Bird Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory Reports: [email protected] 12 Ontario Base Hospital Group Committees: Seeking New Paramedic Editor-in-Chief Representation in 2011 Karen Kornelsen 13 At Ornge, Simulation is Key to Performance [email protected] 15 Professionalization Matters Finance/Accounting & Administration Shoshana Weinberg, Nathan Redekop, Pat Andress 16 GlobalMedic: The Year in Review [email protected] Director of Marketing & Circulation Features: Shoshana Weinberg 18 The 2010 Haiti Earthquake Sales Manager 21 Recognizing the Best in Ontario: The 10th Annual EMS Awards Gala Neil Gottfred 25 A Uniquely Northern Perspective: District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSAB) Sales Team Leader Declan O’Donovan View Points: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Albert Brydges, Miles Meagher, Rick Kuzie, Benjamin 28 The World Watches Ontario EMS at June’s G8 Summit Schutt, Rob Choi, Brian Davey, Randi Cameron, Jim 29 Investigation of Injury Rates and Causes of Injury Among Ontario Hamilton, Chris Frenza, Jeff Cash, Sandra Neily, Elise Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedics Jacobsen-Clarke, Selina Margetts, Susan Costen, Colleen Bell Layout & Design Association Information: Cody Chomiak 31 2010 EMS Week: Featuring Muskoka Advertising Design 32 Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) Updates 2010 James Robinson 32 AMEMSO Board Members ©2010 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in 33 The AMEMSO Spotlight Shines On… whole or in part, without the prior written permission of 34 Buyer’s Guide the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc.
www.emsontario.ca | 5
| Message from the President of AMEMSO | AMEMSO, through its members, is dedicated to delivering the best possible emergency medical service to people in the province.
It is my pleasure to introduce this, this effort continue with energy, enthusiasm and the fourth issue of EMS Matters, with its focus focus. on performance, leadership and diversity. Our At our recent conference in Huntsville, we association magazine is now well-established as listened as speakers from as far away as Austra- an effective medium to share amongst ourselves lia and as diverse as an astronaut and television and to deliver important and germane information producer, shared their thoughts and experiences to key stakeholders in EMS. As AMEMSO’s new on our conference theme. As a proud member of By Norm Gale, President, it is also my pleasure on behalf of the AMEMSO and in my short time as its President, I President, AMEMSO Board, to welcome you to this issue. have found that we are led by a team who believe AMEMSO, through its members, is dedicated to in these very tenets. Their goal is your goal and, delivering the best possible emergency medical together, we are making a difference. While service to people in the province. To this end, we delivering excellent patient care, we are working value the partnerships we have established with towards increased relevance for the industry and senior government, municipalities, the health towards increased recognition and appreciation care sector, vendors, and, of course, our paramed- of its role. ics. We are working to strengthen the foundation From the paramedic on the street, to the of these partnerships and, as evidenced by the administrator in the back office and to the senior articles in this issue, this is coming to fruition. leaders, all are contributing to the common cause. It is in concert that we realize our aim: excel- In the end, people will be better served. I am lence in pre-hospital care. It is my desire to see honoured to be part of this effort.
| Farewell Message from the Past President of AMEMSO | Thanks to the membership, I was provided with a Board whose purpose, fortunately, mirrored mine. Each member contributed as their time and talents allowed.
Quite a Ride! That is a fitting comment we shared the continuing journey toward making to use to describe my term as AMEMSO President. EMS in Ontario “world-class”. When I was considering offering my name for the Thanks to the membership, I was provided By Paul Charbonneau, position, I reflected on many things but mainly, with a Board whose purpose, fortunately, mirrored Past President, AMEMSO why? I had no significant philosophical differences mine. Each member contributed as their time and with the current members. In fact, as I quickly talents allowed. In any group, the Executive discovered, AMEMSO has been gifted with leaders accepts a bit more on their plate as it strives to whose focus is the betterment of the profession and implement the decisions of the Board as a whole. not personal gain. I honestly wanted to give back to The names of our Directors and Officers are the profession that has been my life. well known. To them, and on behalf of the mem- Although a “seasoned” veteran of EMS in bership, I offer my deep appreciation. I look for- Ontario, I experienced a learning curve as my ward to continuing to serve AMEMSO as its Past term began. I wish to acknowledge Past Presi- President and challenge all members to consider dents Terri Burton, Richard Armstrong and Joc- a position on the Board as time unfolds. It has elyn Bourgoin for providing their perspective as been my honour to serve you.
www.emsontario.ca | 7 | Message from AMEMSO Communications and Media Relations Office |
The AMEMSO Board is diligent in its passion to complete its mandate in a transparent, business-like and democratic fashion. This continued throughout the 2010 year. Effective communication is a two-way street requiring the Board to establish a free flow of information and the membership to respond honestly and forthrightly. For Associations, this is the area requiring constant vigilance. I suggest that the major focus of the Association should be the “marquee” items that effect the profession as a whole. This involves, but is not limited to, matters of pending legislation, interaction with the MOHLTC and AMO and channeling the con- cerns of the membership into the daylight where they can be examined and actioned appropriately. As well, to foster positive progress in the profession, AMEMSO must invest in research and development. A parallel role is managing the business affairs By Jim Price, of the association and facilitating information exchange amongst the membership. Communications and Media With limited administrative support this has been a somewhat onerous task for the Relations, AMEMSO President of the day. The Board is moving to address that issue. One area where everyone can help is to become user-friendly with the website. We accept that it is a work in progress but changes are in the works to effectively My wish for AMEMSO turn it into our “web-assistant”. Things under contemplation are a form of chat is for the Board and room where items being discussed would be available to all members and archived for future reference, updating the “s.o.p.” to ensure highlights of meetings are membership to embrace posted in a timely manner, direct access by voting members to confidential areas (such as committee and working-group meeting minutes) and, my favourite, an this “coming together” of enhanced email component that will allow you to circulate your own enquiries and spirits where everyone feels alert you of messages. Not everyone enjoys similar skills in the high-tech jungle but it is a reality of business and will become even more so in the future. connected, feels that they My wish for AMEMSO is for the Board and membership to embrace this “coming together” of spirits where everyone feels connected, feels that they know what is know what is going on and going on and feels comfortable giving input and receiving advice. It’s a continuing feels comfortable giving honour being associated with you. input and receiving advice.
Premier Recognizes Contribution to Haiti In recognition of their joint con- tributions in Haiti, a single symbolic certificate of recognition from Premier Dalton McGuinty, was presented to Muskoka paramedic and GlobalMedic Kevin King, General Manager of Medavie Emergency Services Ontario; Terri Burton, Director of Emergency Services for the District Municipality of Muskoka; and Tara Portelli, Muskoka paramedic and team member Tara Portelli. GlobalMedic team member.
8 | | Cover Story | Performance, Leadership and Diversity
How is AMEMSO addressing the
Dr. Ronald Stewart is a national advocate of Profession’s competing areas of focus? Canada’s health system and he currently holds joint appointments as Professor in Dalhousie’s Every association has Deerhurst Resort and its staff for both its Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia. He continues to add to his 200 a responsibility to open accommodating style and culinary suc- publications in the art and science of medicine, its operation to its members and allow cess. and to pursue his most recent projects in the field them to come together to learn and hear, Prior to the members gathering to dis- of international health, particularly the health first-hand, the reported events of the cuss “business”, most of the two days was and political aspects of antipersonnel landmines, previous year, to acknowledge the efforts dedicated to awareness and education. firearms control, and the medical humanities (Music-in-Medicine). of the Board and to challenge those The following speakers brought compel- items with which they differ. Beyond the ling professional insight which was timely, “Year in Review” provided by President appropriate and very well received: Charbonneau and Board reports, members • Dr. Ronald Stewart shared a light- were invited to an open forum where hearted but poignant view of his no topic was off limits. The conference well-travelled life as well as a studied included presentations for the intellect, a timeline of the events and disasters tangible display of vendor materials, the that played a role in the evolution of philosophical hope for tomorrow and the EMS in Canada and around the world. Dr. Nadine Levick, MD MPH, is a member reminder that environmental stewardship He is a national advocate of Canada’s of a number of professional societies within is in all of our hands. The annual meeting health system and of health renewal the realms of Emergency Medicine, EMS, this year was hosted by Muskoka EMS and in Canada, and a former Nova Scotia automotive engineering and safety engineering. held in Huntsville, at the Deerhurst Resort Minister of Health. She has published the lead scientific papers globally on EMS vehicle safety and numerous and Conference Center. • Dr. Nadine Levick is an Emergency other publications of EMS systems safety. She Muskoka Lead, Chief Terri Burton, cap- Medicine physician, clinician, academ- has an active role regionally, federally and tured the focus in her opening greetings; ic and researcher. She is acknowledged internationally in the field of EMS safety research “Our theme is to showcase leadership in internationally as a leader in the multi- and policy. Ontario, along with the diverse methods disciplinary field of EMS transportation used to achieve performance. We are here safety. Her work highlights the triad to celebrate successes in our EMS Profession of clinical care, teaching and research, and to recognize those whose contributions and focuses both on the patient and have led us to where we are today.” the health care provider. Particularly in non-profit situations, • Former Astronaut and Cardiac Care spe- successful events lean heavily on vendor cialist Dr. David Williams is Canada’s support. The Muskoka event welcomed 55 first dual astronaut (logging more than vendors and suppliers whose presence had 687 hours in space) and aquanaut an impact beyond the financial realities. (working in the world’s only under- Dr. Dave Williams joined an exclusive club when The EMS world in Ontario has become a water ocean laboratory). He believes he blasted into space aboard the Space Shuttle circle of players whose roles transcend in a “no error strategy” which defines Columbia, and again on Shuttle Endeavour where the typical buyer and seller relationship. methods for establishing zero toler- he walked out into the great beyond. Having also Collectively, our sponsors share in the ance for mistakes—a most proper goal lived and worked in the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory, he became Canada’s first dual fundraising activities (golf tournament for our EMS professionals. astronaut and aquanaut. Relying on his experience and silent auction), the development Business and clinical develop- as an emergency room doctor and as an astronaut, of conference-friendly activities and, of ment sessions were provided by Susan he knows the catastrophic consequences that can course, meal times. We commend the Stewart, Human Resource Professional happen when lives are at stake.
www.emsontario.ca | 9 As Chief Executive Officer for the Cardiac Care Susan Stewart is a Human Resources Professional Dr. Warren Cantor is the Medical Director Network of Ontario, Kori Kingsbury is responsible turned author and speaker who helps people of the Interventional and Invasive Program for all operations and activities of the organization, feel good and have more fun at work and in life. at Southlake Regional Health Centre in including advising the Ontario Ministry of Her words help to raise awareness about the Newmarket, ON. His research interests Health and Long‐Term Care and Local Health powerful role that team dynamics play in the include advances in percutaneous coronary Integration Networks on matters pertaining to performance level of EMS teams. By challenging intervention, coronary angioplasty for acute adult cardiovascular services. She has held those attending her seminars with fun team myocardial infarction, and antithrombotic various key leadership positions in patient services competitions, Stewart shares her tips and therapy for acute coronary syndromes. management and clinical education in the area strategies that can help managers realize the He has published over 50 peer-reviewed of cardiology, including acute care and cardiac fact that they lead a bunch of humans trying to articles, book chapters and abstracts. rehabilitation and prevention programs. achieve common goals together.
Kori Kingsbury, CEO for the Cardiac Care professionals from across Ontario gath- come to an end, I know I can move on Network; Dr. Warren Cantor, Interventional ered to receive formal acknowledgements with a positive feeling that EMS is in Cardiologist; Dave Lyon and Allan King for their contributions. Specific details good hands…and those are the hands from Ontario Fleet Challenge; and Michael of the evening are provided elsewhere in that bring life saving organization and Nemeth, Resuscitation Specialist with the this edition. skills to support your family and mine. Heart and Stroke Foundation. In closing the conference, President Congratulations to all!” The highlight of the event was the Paul Charbonneau (now Past President) An event well-worth the price of 10th Annual EMS Awards Gala. EMS stated, “As my time as President has admission!
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| Reports |
OBHG: Seeking New Paramedic Representation in 2011 The purpose of having paramedic representation on these committees is to provide the members of the groups with an opportunity to acquire input from the paramedic’s perspective.
The Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) (OBHG) will be seeking applications in February 2011 for new To advise on all medical issues in the delivery of ambulance based representation from frontline paramedics for all provincial pre-hospital care in Ontario. committees: Meeting Frequency: Quarterly (May, Sept, Dec & Feb) • Ontario Base Hospital Group Executive (OBHG); Number of Paramedic Advisors: 2 (1 PCP & 1 ACP) • Provincial Medical Advisory Committee (MAC); • Data Management Sub-Committee; Data Management Subcommittee • Education Sub-Committee; and To advise on information gathering and database issues • Quality Management Sub-Committee. relating to the provision of ambulance based pre-hospital care The purpose of having paramedic representation on these in Ontario. To review current patient data collection and data committees is to provide the members of the groups with an reporting standards and practices and to regularly update the opportunity to acquire input from the paramedic’s perspec- patient related data gathering and reporting requirements and tive. practices necessary to meet the current and emerging needs of Do you have a demonstrated ability to work well in teams, stakeholders. have interests relevant to any specific committee, and are you Meeting Frequency: 2 to 4 meetings annually committed to advancing pre-hospital care in Ontario? If so, we Number of Paramedic Advisors: 2 (1 PCP & 1 ACP) encourage you to apply. Application to apply will be distributed in February 2011. Education Subcommittee To advise on matters relating to education and training and to Committee profiles develop and revise educational programs as requested by OBHG, and Ontario Base Hospital Group (OBHG) Executive approved by MOHLTC-EHSB. To advise the EHSB-MOHLTC on all matters relating to patient Meeting Frequency: 4 to 6 meetings annually care provided by paramedics, communication officers and relevant Number of Paramedic Advisors: 2 (1 PCP & 1 ACP) allied health professionals. The Executive will be responsible for making recommendations which represent the interests of OBHG Quality Management Committee members in all matters relating to administration, operations, Is responsible for assisting BH Programs to monitor the quality of funding and program delivery. patient care and service delivery Ontario. Meeting Frequency: Quarterly (May, Sept, Dec & Feb) Meeting Frequency: 2 to 4 meetings annually Number of Paramedic Advisors: 2 (1 PCP & 1 ACP) Number of Paramedic Advisors: 2 (1 PCP & 1 ACP)
12 | | Reports | At Ornge, Simulation is Key to Performance
to which their response could mean the difference between life and death, we prepare them to not let a lack of clin- ical experience with that type of incident adversely impact their performance.” For the Ornge Academy of Transport Medicine, however, the quest for higher fidelity is perpetual, as Academy experts continuously collaborate on new and interesting ways at increasingly detailed levels. Lead Educators with the Academy have recently undergone training at Complections International Academy of Make-Up, for the simple purpose of re-cre- ating wounds on Academy simulators with as high a degree of realism as possible. “Ultimately, we’re always interested in simulating things as viscerally as we “By giving paramedics simulated exposure to incidents that they can,” said Knight. “Some things are more clinically relevant than others, of course, are less likely to see on a day-to-day basis, but to which their but we are excited about advancing to the response could mean the difference between life and death, we point where we are simulating the rumble prepare them to not let a lack of clinical experience with that of the environment, the alarming sights and sounds that can act as potential dis- type of incident adversely impact their performance.” tractions, and pretty much anything and everything that would be realistic in the At the Ornge Academy of have pupils that automatically dilate and situation on the ground or in the sky.” Transport Medicine (ATM), where Ontario’s constrict in response to light, have auto- Through a strategic partnership with flight paramedics are trained to provide matic urine output control, twitching thumbs aviation training company CAE Healthcare, the highest levels of excellence in their in response to peripheral nerve stimulators, Ornge is currently developing training performance of patient care, the element and possess many other diagnostic and to better reflect flight medicine dynam- of high-fidelity patient simulation is symptomatically relevant features. ics, as well as research into areas where crucial. “One area where simulation really best practices from aviation and trans- Although simulation has been inte- shines is in the recreation of high-acu- port medicine may intersect. Ornge is also grated into courses for years at the ATM, ity, low-frequency events,” said Jeremy working to bring its educational and simu- this past year saw the graduation of a Knight, Program Manager of Patient lation environments to mobile settings, Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) course that Simulation at Ornge. Through regu- enabling education across the province. utilized the patient simulation function- lar exposure to simulation, paramedics ality to an unprecedented extent, with become more comfortable and adept at The Ornge Academy of Transport Medicine simulation now being fully leveraged into procedures such as the needle decom- is located jointly in Mississauga and Thunder the overall curriculum for all Advanced pression of the chest and intubation. Bay, Ontario, and offers a variety of trans- Care Paramedic (ACP) and Critical Care Simulation also teaches paramedics to port medicine training opportunities, includ- Paramedic (CCP) students as well as for watch for procedural breakdowns and to ing bridging courses for land paramedics supplemental and examination purposes. prepare them to react appropriately. interested in becoming certified for work Utilizing patient simulators—with entire- In addition, simulation also provides a in flight. Through the Academy, Ornge ly separate physical models to recreate adult, dynamic environment to teach and assess offers the only Critical Care Paramedic pro- paediatric and neonate patients, Ornge edu- function of individuals in a team situa- gram in Canada that has been accredited cators are able to recreate dynamic real-time tion. “By giving paramedics simulated by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), physiological and pharmacological responses exposure to incidents that they are less as well as a CMA-accredited Advanced Care to medical interventions. Patient simulators likely to see on a day-to-day basis, but Paramedic program.
www.emsontario.ca | 13
| Reports | Professionalization Matters 6. A code of ethical behaviour; and One such paramedic theory, which focus- 7. Self-conducted research into the nature es on an important aspect of paramedic of work. practice, is The Space-Control Theory of Both medicine and nursing progressed, in Paramedic Scene-Management. This theory large part, towards professional status “from describes the very complex social/physical within”. By this I mean that they identified environments that make up the emergency By Dr. Anthony Campeau, a unique body of knowledge and differenti- scenes paramedics manage. For example, it Manager Land Ambulance Program, ated their work from those of others by outlines the high-stakes decision making EHSB, MOHLTC researching their occupations themselves. that paramedics have to make when balan- The publishing of this occupational research cing who-does-what, the passage of time, Discussion about the in credible journals greatly strengthened and clinical urgency. professional status the arguments that because their work was A unique body of occupational know- of paramedics is a common topic of unique, and practitioner knowledge was ledge is not static and it is important to conversation for members of the Emergency essential to understanding practice issues, establish paramedical knowledge through Medical Services (EMS) community. And it made sense to organize their work as a research, as its various aspects develop over well it should be. There have been dramatic profession. time. This research would help differentiate changes in the scopes of practice and When we look at paramedicine, it is paramedicine from related professions. EMS occupational identity of paramedics over the obvious that almost all research, training stakeholders should consider their work from past few years and this has led to widespread and practice are focused on specific patient a broad perspective and define a research interest in organizing paramedic work into a care assessments and interventions. A quick agenda accordingly. professional framework. perusal of any EMS or pre-hospital care jour- An interested reader can find more infor- Most of the occupational research into nal will reveal an impressive list of research mation on this subject in the following arti- the professions, and in particular the health articles that are focused on demonstrating cles: professions, has been conducted by sociolo- the value (or in some cases the absence • Campeau A. (2009). Introduction the gists. Their literature offers some important thereof) of patient care procedures. This is space-control theory of paramedic scene insights into the processes that are involved important work, and indeed, such research management. Emergency Medicine Jour- in formalizing a profession and in this article is required in order to appropriately define nal, 23:213-216. I apply some of this research to paramedicine. the medical aspects of paramedics’ scopes- • Campeau A. 2008. The space-control The name typically given to these pro- of-practice. However, there is an equally theory of paramedic scene-management. cesses is “professionalization” and most def- important need to research and develop Symbolic Interaction, 31(3):285-302. initions describe this as the progression of an knowledge about the whole practice of para- • Campeau A. (2008). Why Paramedics occupation through stages. The most common medicine. Require Theories-of-Practice. Journal of stages are occupation, semi-profession and This is particularly important for para- Emergency Primary Health Care, 6:2. profession, with each stage having specific medicine because the medical aspects • Clayton State University Department characteristics or “traits”. For example, in of paramedic practice are not unique to of Nursing. Nursing Theory Link Page. the early 1960s nursing, teaching and social paramedics. Patient assessment and inter- [Accessed July 2, 2008). Available from: workers were all considered “semi-profes- ventions such as drug administration are http://healthsci.clayton.edu/eichelber- sions” because they had some but not all of practiced by many other health profes- ger/nursing.htm. the characteristics of a full profession. sionals. What sets paramedics apart is the • Metz DL. Running hot: structure and The more commonly cited traits of health environment within which they practice. stress in ambulance work. Cambridge: professions include: One way to demonstrate this would be to Abt. 1981. 1. A unique body of knowledge acquired establish occupational Theories-of-Prac- • Nelson BJ. (1997). Work as a moral act: through extended and specialized educa- tice. These are conceptual descriptions of How emergency medical technicians tion; the real nature of professional work and understand their work, in Between Craft 2. Practice that is in the service of the pub- are crucial to distinguishing one profes- and Science: Technical work in U.S. set- lic; sion from another. In medicine, evidence- tings. Barley SR, Orr JE, editors. New 3. Autonomy of clinical decision making; based-medicine is an example of a theory York: Cornell. 4. Educational, licensing (or certification), of practice. In nursing, entire websites • Wiesing U, Welie JVM. Why should and practice standards; can be found that describe many theor- medicine consider a theory of practice? 5. Capacity for self-imposed quality assur- ies of nursing practice (see the list at the Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics. ance; conclusion of this article). 1998;19:199-202.
www.emsontario.ca | 15 | Reports | GlobalMedic: The Year in Review By Rahul Singh, GlobalMedic
Retired Prince Edward County medic Rick Campbell helps a child get clean London medic Maite Browning purifies water in Daira Din Panah, Punjab drinking water in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtun Province, Pakistan. Province, Pakistan.
Paramedics Sean Large and Deanna Oosterhoff treat an injured woman on the Medic Lukasz Gubala trains local Haitians on the operation of a portable water grounds of the Adventist Hospital in Carrefour, Haiti. purification unit. surgical intervention as they piled up on the lawns of the Adventist Hospital in Carrefour. Toronto Medics Dave Hutcheon and Mike Larsen split time working in post-operative facilities and running a primary healthcare facility on the grounds of a makeshift camp housing 26,000 Haitians made homeless by the quake. Niagara Medic Shane Eickmann helped deliver the first child born in GlobalMedic’s inflatable hospital. Peel medic Sean Large was responsible for setting up a surgical centre using one of the inflatable facilities. Frontenac medic Lise Ann Lepage and Peel Medic Mike Thomas helped to expand and augment our water delivery program. Muskoka medic Tara Portelli and Waterloo’s Annette Jang continued their work. Toronto paramedic Robert Selfridge training medics for mine action program in Iraq. The water team was able to install 64 water units, produce and distrib- ute an average of 150,000 litres of potable water daily. The team deliv- Life came to a standstill for millions in Haiti. Late ered over 15 million litres of potable water and trained scores of local one January evening the ground shook for 84 seconds as an earthquake Haitians before handing the project over to another NGO to run. Over a measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale decimated the city. Three million dozen Ontario medics were deployed to Haiti to run the operation. were affected and over a million were left homeless. The death toll is Medics from Calgary, Ottawa, York and London were dispatched estimated at 300,000 but will never be truly known. Tens of thousands to Gaza to support teams of explosive technicians tasked with safely of Haitians are now amputees as a result of their injuries. removing unexploded ordinanance including rockets, missiles and RPGs GlobalMedic responded to the crisis by deploying 25 Canadian rescu- from civilian neighbourhoods following an Israeli incursion. A Halifax ers over a 3-month mission. Paramedics from Frontenac to Waterloo medic is now living in the northern deserts of Chad training and sup- answered the call, installing 2 inflatable field hospitals that treated porting medics as part of an international mine action program. York over 7,000 patients. Medics Lukasz Gubala and Deanna Oosterhoff medic Julie Grainger led a team into Sri Lanka to provide trauma man- administered emergency care to hundreds of critical patients needing agement training for medics dealing with the remnants of their latest
16 | war. A number of other Ontario medics were dispatched to run similar programs in Vietnam, Iraq, Angola, Cambodia and Somalia. Torrential rains in northern Pakistan led to unprecedented flooding affecting over 20 million people, leaving 4 million of them homeless. Damage was widespread and every part of the nation was affected. GlobalMedic deployed over 20 rescuers on 5 rotations to different parts of the country to run medical and water programs. Millions fled the flooding. Many were unable to enter government camps as they were afraid to leave their animals behind as the animals represent their only source of income. Thousands became ill and the threat of outbreaks of water-borne diseases is imminent. Retired Prince Edward County medic Rick Campbell dodged the Taliban while installing water purification systems near the front- line of the war between insurgents and the Pakistani military. London medic Maite Browning installed a field hospital in Daira Din Panah, Punjab, after the local facility was left under five feet of water. Fellow London medics Julie Colgan and Neil Jones set up inflatable hospitals in Sukkar and Sujawal. Peel Supervisor Shannon MacNeil helped coordinate a water distribution program for people living at the side of the road. Paramedic Lily Chen, a researcher with RESCU, helped to run a project delivering house- hold water purification systems to flood affected families. Overall, GlobalMEdic deployed over $1 million worth of essential medicines, 3 inflatable field hospitals that have treated over 24,000 patients and 35 water purification units that have produced over 7 million litres of potable water. The team also distributed over 50 mil- lion water purification tablets and 300 household water purification systems.
www.emsontario.ca | 17 | Features |
By John Prno, EMS Chief, Region of Waterloo
At 4:53 pm local time, Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Haiti, the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country, was struck by a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake. With its epicentre only 25 kilometres west of Port-au-Prince, the earthquake devastated Haiti’s capital and its 2 million inhabitants, and affected fully a third of Haiti’s population of 9 million. By the end of January, over 50 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded. An estimated 230,000 people died, 300,000 were injured (including 40,000 who required limb amputations), and over 1 million were left homeless. Even the federal prison was destroyed, allowing some 4,000 inmates to escape into the devastation. The Haitian government estimates that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings collapsed or were severely damaged. The quake destroyed multiple hospitals, most government buildings, as well as the country’s transpor- tation and communication infrastructure, thus severely ham- pering delivery of desperately needed aid. Haiti’s only land-based neighbour, The Dominican Republic, was the first country to provide aid, opening its hospitals to the victims of the earthquake, and sending food, water, medical teams and heavy lifting equipment. Its airports Continued on page 20 Region of Waterloo ACP Dale Turner, deployed as a Canadian Forces Reservist.
18 | Region of Waterloo PCP, ACP Sarah Caloccia, Peel Region. Kirsten Bruggemann.
Toronto Paramedic Dave Hutcheon treats a patient in a hospital in Carrefour, Haiti.
ACPs Ian Manson and Joe Bowers. ACP Sean Large.
ACPs Ian Manson and Joe Bowers. Dr. Paul Puckrin in the foreground. Notice the old Ministry hard case!
www.emsontario.ca | 19 Halton DC Christine Barber and Halton ACP Ian Manson. Halton ACP Robin Barrie. ACP Brian Franks.
Niagara medic Shane Eickmann and Toronto Glen Canavan and Olena Lytosh medic Mike Larsen deliver a child in GlobalMedic’s move a patient. ACP Scott Kubacki with patients. inflatable field hospital in Carrefour, Haiti.
Continued from page 18 serve in the Canadian Forces Reserves were deployed to help soon became the hub of aid distribution. Within hours, the in a number of different roles. world was mobilizing a rapid and comprehensive humanitar- Back at home, Emergency Medical Services across Ontario led ian response. The federal government contributed $85 mil- the charge in raising funds, collecting medical supplies and per- lion to facilitate rapid action on the ground by trusted and sonal hygiene products through the Mennonite Central Committee experienced humanitarian agencies. Over 2,000 Canadian and numerous other grass roots efforts. Even two surplus ambu- Forces personnel were ultimately deployed under Operation lances were quickly donated and shipped to the cause. When Hestia. Individual Canadians donated $220 million to eligible Operation Stork resulted in the successful union of 203 Haitian Canadian charities in support of Haiti, an amount matched children with their adoptive families in Canada, EMS staff played dollar for dollar by the federal government. At the end of an important role in their arrival care as well. March, Canada announced an additional $400 million in fund- It would be impossible to list all of the Ontario EMS par- ing for humanitarian and reconstruction programs in Haiti. ticipants in the Haitian humanitarian mission. The photo col- Billions of dollars have now been pledged to Haitian relief lage reflects only a small sample of the efforts undertaken by and reconstruction, but it is local initiatives generated in the AMEMSO member services and their staff. The effort continues cities, towns and regions across Ontario that were impacted today with our paramedics helping in Haiti while you read the most by Emergency Medical Services. Our paramedics this. On behalf of the AMEMSO Board of Directors, a very spe- and management staff were quickly on the ground in Haiti, cial thank you to all of those involved in extending a helping providing much-needed medical assistance and water purifica- hand, whether in Haiti or here at home. tion. Names such as GlobalMedic, Feed the Children, Hearts for Haiti, and Medics in Motion, became front-of-mind as our To view more photos click on “Haiti Tribute” located at staff joined their humanitarian efforts. Those staff who also http://emsterm.region.waterloo.on.ca/amemso.
20 | | Features | Recognizing the Best in Ontario: The 10th Annual EMS Awards Gala Then and Now…
By John Prno, Region of Waterloo
It is truly difficult to believe that AMEMSO We also recognized conspicuous acts of bravery and has been hosting the Ontario EMS Honours and Awards for courage by 12 paramedics, including one devastating incident ten years now. In preparing for this column, I reviewed the in late December 2009, where Ottawa Police Constable Eric photographs from our very first awards ceremony, also held Czapnik lost his life despite the heroic efforts of 4 Ottawa in Muskoka at Clevelands House. That October evening in paramedics. Paramedics Craig MacInnes, Patricia St. Denis, 2001 saw an audience of just 50 EMS leaders and guests Amanda Walkowiak and Virginia Warner, were acknowledged as acknowledge 8 new EMS Exemplary Service Medal and three true heroes for their actions that night. They will be forever McNally Award recipients. linked to our memory of the tragic loss of Constable Czapnik. What a far cry from this year’s Honours and Awards Two true EMS leaders were acknowledged as well, through a Gala, where 650 peers, friends and family members were in first-time dual presentation of the R.J. Armstrong Leadership attendance to appreciate the presentation of over 130 awards. Award. Muskoka EMS Chief Terri Burton and Niagara EMS In addition to 123 Exemplary Service Medals presented by Chief John Cunnane, were recognized for lengthy career Major-General Richard Rohmer on behalf of outgoing Governor contributions to the ongoing development of EMS here in General Michaele Jean, we acknowledged the ongoing career Ontario, nationally and internationally. contributions of 26 previous medal recipients who, this year, Finally, it must be noted that as any organization or received additional service bars…5 of whom have EMS careers profession comes of age, it spends more time and effort spanning more than 40 years! “giving back” to its members and the community, both locally and at-large. This year’s conference raised over $8,000 for two important charities to AMEMSO: the Children’s Wish AMEMSO Award of Courage: Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Presented by President Paul Charbonneau and Regional In addition, the Gala theme revolved around the Haitian Chair Gord Adams. earthquake and Ontario EMS contributions to that huge humanitarian effort. Not only were our paramedics on the ground in Haiti almost immediately, but those here at home also made very significant contributions through fundraising, donations of equipment, supplies and even ambulances. Rahul Singh, Toronto paramedic and founder of disaster relief organization GlobalMedic, was Master of Ceremonies for the Gala and was able to add a very personal perspective to the Haitian tragedy, acknowledging the contributions of so many Ontario paramedics. In recognition of their joint contributions in Haiti, a single symbolic certificate of recognition from Premier Dalton McGuinty was presented to Muskoka paramedic and GlobalMedic team member Tara Portelli (go to page 8 to view the photo). This truly amazing evening was captured in photos and Left to right: Paul Charbonneau and Gord Adams present the award to Caitlin videos, and is available for viewing or downloading via the Wenckstern, from the Peel Region. They are joined by Chief Peter Dundas. “Links” tab at the AMEMSO website: www.emsontario.ca.
www.emsontario.ca | 21 Richard J. Armstrong Leadership Award (co-recipients)
Paul Charbonneau (left) and Richard Armstrong (right) present the Paul Charbonneau (left) and Richard Armstrong (right) present the award to John Cunnane (middle), from Niagara. award to Terri Burton (middle), from Muskoka. McNally Awards of Bravery Presented by President Paul Charbonneau and Norm Miller, MPP, Parry Sound - Muskoka Left to right: Paul Charbonneau and Norm Miller present the award to Craig MacInnes, Patricia St. Denis, Amanda Walkowiak and Virginia Warner, from Ottawa. They are joined by Chief Tony DiMonte.
Paul Charbonneau (left) and Norm Miller (right) present the award to James Left to right: Paul Charbonneau and Norm Miller present the award to Bill Ernest Calabro (middle), from Toronto. and Darryl Hopcraft, from Bruce County. They are joined by Chief Doug Smith.
Paul Charbonneau (left) and Norm Miller (right) present the award to Michael Paul Charbonneau (left) and Norm Miller (right) present the award to Pat Ingram Davis (middle), from York Region. (second from left) and Matthew Gontier (third from left), from Toronto.
22 | A Glimpse of the Black Tie V.I.P. Event
Julie and John Pereira. Deb and John Prno.
Richard Armstrong and Tom Bedford. Joe Nicholls, Major General Rohmer and Dan McCormick.
Jim Price, Kate Bearman, Paul Charbonneau and Dan McCormick. Terri Burton, Norm Miller and Gord Adams.
Pierre Poirier, Bruce Farr and John Cunnane. Mary O. Rohmer and Sandra Trodd.
Mike Chretien with Ellen and Mike Muir. Paul and Heather Charbonneau with Doug Socha.
www.emsontario.ca | 23 24 | | Features | A Uniquely Northern Perspective: District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSAB)
Delivering Emergency Medical Services (EMS) under most circumstances can be difficult. But what happens when you add to the equation the sheer size of the area to be covered and the weather extremes often encountered in northern Ontario? Many northern Ontario communities have social services delivered thought a Social Services Board, the same is true for the delivery of EMS, a slightly different direction from what is seen in the South.
By Mike Trodd, EMS Chief, Timiskaming EMS
A sense of history services. The delivery of social services is Nine DSSAB Delivery Agents The Local Services Realignment initia- administered through a Board of Directors 1. Algoma SSAB, Direct Delivery tive announced by the government in comprised exclusively of appointed 2. Cochrane District SSAB, Direct and January 1997, outlined new directions Municipal Councillors and elected mem- Contracted Providers for the delivery of social assistance, child bers from the townships without munici- 3. District of Sault Ste. Marie SSAB, care and social housing. These changes pal organization. Contracted Delivery created the opportunity to implement These new Direct Delivery Agents 4. District of Temiskaming SSAB, Direct a more integrated system of social and (DDA) had one of three options for the Delivery community health services under munici- continued delivery of ambulance service: 5. Kenora District SAB, Direct Delivery pal leadership. • To continue in “contracted deliv- 6. Manitoulin-Sudbury SSAB, Direct As a result, the July 1, 1998 proclama- ery” arrangements with the existing Delivery tion of Schedule C of the Social Assistance licensed providers; 7. Nippissing DSSAB, Contracted Delivery Reform Act, the District of Welfare • To call for proposals for new contracted 8. Parry Sound SSAB, Contracted Delivery Administration Boards Act (DWAB Act), operator/s; or 9. Rainy River SSAB, Direct Delivery later renamed the District Social Services • To “directly deliver” the service them- Administration Boards Act (DSSAB Act), selves. Two Municipal Delivery Agents was created. The DSSAB Act formed a 1. City of Thunder Bay, Direct Delivery¹ legislative mechanism for the creation of The following agents are presently 2. City of Greater Sudbury, Direct 10 consolidated District Social Services delivering EMS in northern Ontario Delivery Administration Boards. These DSSABs were given the mandate to manage the delivery of social services (Ontario Works, Children’s Services and Social Housing) on behalf of the member municipalities and residents of the unincorporated territories in the defined geographic area. In the same year, amendments to the Ambulance Act by Bill 152 gave DSSABs the added responsibility of assuming the direct delivery of land ambulance ser- vice. Bill 152 contained a two-year transi- tion period to permit the municipality or DSSAB to transition operational control to their direct delivery of land ambulance on or before January 1, 2000. However, this January deadline was subsequently extended to January 1, 2001. Today, nine Social Services Administration Boards remain respon- sible for the delivery of land ambulance
www.emsontario.ca | 25 One First Nation Delivery Agent experience or understanding of what pro- (also known as Consolidated Municipal 1. James Bay General Hospital, Direct viding emergency medical service was Service Managers (CMSMs)—the City of Delivery all about. However, as time passed both Greater Sudbury and the District Muni- sides learned a lot from each other and cipality of Muskoka. Northern Ontario‘s A difficult transition EMS eventually became a large part of municipal service managers collectively As of January 1, 2001, many north- normal DSSAB business. have annual expenditures in excess of ern DSSABs opted to contract with the $650,000,000 and together employ over existing providers in order to gain a sense Northern challenges 1,000 people. We thus represent a sig- of direction and to allow some time to get Recently, a White Paper titled Emergency nificant component of northern Ontario‘s an accurate picture of the costs attrib- Medical Services (EMS) Concerns in Northern economy and labour force. (NOSDA uted to the delivery of Land Ambulance Ontario, Discussion Paper, April, 2010, was 2010) Service. Over the following three to five published by the Northern Ontario Service Highlighted in NOSDA’s White Paper year period, one-by-one DSSABs opted to Delivers Association (NOSDA). This White are important issues affecting the deliv- deliver service from within their existing Paper highlights the most pressing issues ery of EMS. While these issues may not organizations. This ultimately allowed effecting EMS in the north today. be unique to the north, they represent more direct control of expenditures and The Northern Ontario Service Deliverers huge issues due to the size and distances the obvious ability to fine tune budgets. Association (NOSDA)² is an incorporated between northern districts. These small- For many new and seasoned EMS body that brings together 11 of northern er communities have historically had a Managers, working within a relatively new Ontario‘s 12 Municipal Service Managers. decreased ability to fund critical social social services environment, presented All eleven are responsible for the local services. several challenges. Relevantly new cor- planning, coordination and delivery of a porate structures were still evolving and range of community health and social ser- Non-emergency transfers, a long presented a completely new way of doing vices that the Province of Ontario divested distance issue business. This presented a steep learning to them to locally manage. As healthcare has evolved to be curve for individuals that generally oper- NOSDA is primarily composed of nine more focused towards home care, the ated in relative isolation. District Social Services Administration centralization of diagnostic services A bigger challenge was working in Boards (DSSABs) that are unique to has, by default, placed the burden of an environment that had no previous northern Ontario; and two municipalities transporting non-emergent patients on EMS. In Southern Ontario the dis- tances between population centers is somewhat more condensed allowing for shorter travel times. As a result, private transfer companies have made themselves available to bridge the gap between stretched staffing patterns and a growing low priority call volume.
26 | A 2009 study which took place in in northern Ontario due to distances • EMS systems are not designed to Ontario using a population health-based involved and a lack of competitive provide non-emergency service. methodology and data from 2004-2005, alternatives. • When EMS provides this service, it based on a random sample of 5,000 • During the study period, 85,000 is inefficient and ineffective. land ambulance transfers, showed that patients—or about a quarter of all • When EMS provides this service, a full 80 percent of patient transfers in transferred patients in the study it always comes at the expense of Ontario are routine and non-urgent.³ group—were moved between health- emergency service coverage. Some key findings from the study care facilities for non-urgent phys- • Historically, EMS had provided this include: ician appointments, dialysis and service but circumstances have • The total cost of land-transfers dur- return trips to the patient‘s home changed considerably. ing the study period was $283 mil- facility or residence. The median age • Long transport times are normal. lion. The average cost for an indi- of transferred patients was 75 years. • Options for travel in the north are vidual, one-way inter-facility patient These numbers will only increase as limited to private vehicles, pub- transfer, was $704. Round trip a significant numbers of “baby boom- lic transportation or Emergency transfers averaged $1,408. It can ers” leave the workforce. Medical Services (EMS). This is be assumed these costs are higher The following conclusions can be made tantamount to an undue hardship specifically regarding northern Ontario: for seniors and Individuals with References • The demands on EMS systems are limited ability to travel long dis- 1. Thunder Bay SSAB was one of the ori- increasing yearly. tances. ginal 10 DSSABs slated to take over the • EMS systems are providing service This is not a unique northern issue responsibility of delivering land ambu- that is “beyond” their legislated but it is one that cannot be solved with lance services, however, Thunder Bay mandate. southern solutions. SSAB declined to take over responsibil- ity for land ambulance. As Thunder Bay District municipalities could not agree over who was to assume responsibility of the delivery of ambulance services, a third party intervened and awarded ser- vice delivery to the City of Thunder Bay. EMS Director Jocelyn Burgoyne was the guiding force behind Superior North EMS becoming a reality. Today EMS Chief Norm Gale is at the helm. 2. Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Concerns in Northern Ontario, Discussion Paper, April 2010. 3. Do You Know What Your Local Ambulance Is Being Used For? Victoria Robinson, Vivek Goel, Russell D. MacDonald and Doug Manuel, Healthcare Policy, Vol .4 No.3, 2009.
www.emsontario.ca | 27 | View Points | The World Watches Ontario EMS at June’s G8 Summit During the planning process, we all experienced a new level of communications and respect for each other. The Group of Eight, known the risks and needs of the Summit, event the area were directed to Midland caus- as G8, is a forum which was created by planning and multi-agency exercises. Ontario ing a revision to Muskoka’s plans and surge France in 1975, for governments of six set a new precedent and has been credited vehicles shortly before summit leaders were countries (then the G6), France, Germany, for this initiative globally. Key points in to arrive. Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and The planning the event included maintaining During the planning process, we all United States. In 1976, Canada joined the ambulance coverage for the residents of experienced a new level of communications group creating the G7 and in 1997 Russia Muskoka and providing the same level of and respect for each other, not only in EMS was added, creating the G8. service for the G8 (two projects which had but the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, Each calendar year the responsibility of significant overlap). the Department of National Defence, fire, hosting the G8 rotates through the member Kevin King, General Manager, Medavie, public health, and many other governmental states and the host head of state becomes was one of the Interdiction Zone agencies. We started to think in an inclu- the holder of the presidency for the meeting, Commanders (IZ) and worked with many sive manner and we were fortunate that the sets the agenda for that year and determines agencies to provide training and guidance leaders in this group embraced change and which ministerial meetings will take place. for operations during the G8. There was took a holistic approach which engaged all So, what happens when it is your turn to a training opportunity for 17 services and stakeholders. host the G8? The recipe was: introductions, 108 paramedics who provided surge cap- This led to a foundation of organ- meetings, planning, testing, evaluate the acity resources for the G8. Surge paramedics izational factors which included shared plans and then repeat until you get it right. received training on directives and respon- goals, shared knowledge, mutual respect, Just like any successful recipe. sibility for operations and communications frequent and timely communication, and Deerhurst was chosen for its location during the G8. Muskoka EMS staff received problem solving communication. By hav- based on its proximity to airports, ease of training on expectations for medical calls ing the world leaders in our backyard, it access and its secluded facilities with large during the G8 and how interoperability opened an opportunity to lay foundations interior venues for meetings. would work with surge paramedics in the for future communications and projects, Muskoka EMS is the District of Muskoka’s event of a district emergency. Muskoka EMS and a successful leadership model. ambulance program. Ambulance service is Paramedics were responsible for the care of provided by Medavie EMS Ontario through ill and injured throughout the district. The District of Muskoka is home to contract with the district. Early on, Muskoka Twleve hours before the G8 went live, the towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge, EMS and Medavie EMS Ontario became 80 kilometres southwest, a tornado hit Gravenhurst, Township of Muskoka Lakes, involved with emergency and ambulance Midland taking surge capacity vehicles out of Georgian Bay and Lake of Bays. Muskoka planning for the G8 event. Through the the area and causing damage as high as $15 has approximately 59,000 full-time resi- leadership of Ted Harris, of the Emergency million. Twenty people were taken to hospi- dents and an additional 100,000 seasonal Health Services Branch (EHSB), dozens of tal and the Midland mayor declared a state property owners. Muskoka has 1,600 lakes agencies were brought together to review of emergency. EMS resources surrounding and spans 6,475 square kilometres.
28 | | View Points | Investigation of Injury Rates and Causes of Injury Among Ontario Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedics Dr. Renee MacPhee
Being a paramedic is a in the province of Ontario. The question- or use ergonomic principles to help allevi- very complex and physically demanding naire will be distributed to approximately ate some of the problems (i.e., design and occupation, one that frequently includes 6,700 paramedics. The paramedics will be weight of medical equipment bags); and 4) exposure to physical tasks that cannot be asked to voluntarily complete the survey information necessary for AMEMSO to begin ergonomically redesigned or reduced in wherein they will be able to reveal, in con- to develop and implement bona fide oper- order to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal fidence, their personal work-related injury ational requirements. disorders. record, current and recurrent injuries, as well The notion of bona fide occupational Previously published research findings as work-related and personal factors that requirements must be based on concrete suggest that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) they believe may have led to these injuries. evidence and an excellent understanding of are thought to be a significant problem for Additional survey questions that relate to the tasks and manoeuvres that predispose paramedics, the causes of which are not age, height, weight, and lifestyle behav- a paramedic to injury. Results of the data clearly known and/or understood (see post- iours (e.g., smoking, exercise, diet, etc.) will analyses from the current study will be critic- script for references). Mounting anecdotal allow the researchers to determine which, if al in contributing to the design, pilot testing evidence provided by Ontario Emergency any, personal lifestyle factors may increase a and implementation of a standardized pre- Medical Services (EMS) suggests there are an paramedic’s risk of injury. hire evaluation process for paramedics. increasing number of career-ending injuries This comprehensive research initiative Pre-hire evaluations were first utilized among new paramedics, there are a greater marks the first of its kind in the province during the 1930s as a means of reducing number of experienced paramedics who are with respect to paramedics. Consequently, injuries by placing individuals in jobs that developing chronic injuries earlier in their the study will have several crucial outcomes: they were best suited for (Harbin & Olson, careers, and there are inconsistent physic- 1) the development of an extensive injury 2005). While pre-hire evaluations have al testing protocols across the province data set; 2) a standardized source of quanti- undergone several iterations and modifi- (AMEMSO Physical Demands Working Group, tative and qualitative data that can used in cations since they were first introduced, 2010). Unfortunately, while the injuries con- the development of further research initia- they generally measure an individual’s tinue to occur, there is only speculation as tives; 3) identification of problem areas with physical, physiological and/or psycho- to what types of tasks and actions aggravate respect to injuries, which in turn could allow logical ability to work within a particular musculoskeletal disorders, and how and why the study investigators to re-design and/ occupation. these injuries occur. Identification of current injury rates and their causes among paramedics is not just a matter of asking to review WSIB and short- term disability records. Privacy concerns pre- clude employers from providing this informa- tion, yet employers and paramedics alike have much to gain from better understand- ing injuries in the workplace. The current study is being undertaken in an effort to address these concerns and lim- itations. The study will serve as the first step in creating a comprehensive injury reduction strategy for paramedics in Ontario, through the development of bona fide occupational requirements. Through the use of a self-report question- naire, this study will identify the rates, types and causes of injuries among paramedics
www.emsontario.ca | 29 Over time, they have become standard Renée S. MacPhee (PhD) is an Assistant Stevenson is the Co-Investigator for this practice in many professions including Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University in study. law enforcement, firefighting, the mil- the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Funding for this study was received itary, and aeronautics. At the present Education & Health Sciences Program. Dr. through a seed grant from the Centre of time however, a single, standardized pre- MacPhee is the Principle Investigator for Research Expertise in the Prevention of hire evaluation protocol does not exist for this study. Musculoskeletal Disorders at the University paramedics in the province of Ontario. A Joan Stevenson (PhD) is a Professor of Waterloo. Additional in-kind funding has standardized protocol will provide con- at Queen’s University in the School of been provided by Wilfrid Laurier University sistency within the hiring process, be Kinesiology and Health Studies. Dr. and Queen’s University. transferable between services, and, will ensure that only individuals who can meet References the physical demands of the occupation Crill, M. & Hostler, D. (2005). Back strength and flexibility of EMS providers in practicing are given offers of employment. Further, prehospital providers. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 15(2), 105 – 111. a standardized protocol can have a bene- Ferreira, J. & Hignett, S. (2005). Reviewing ambulance design for clinical efficiency and ficial and direct impact on both workplace paramedic safety. Applied Ergonomics, 36, 97-105. and patient safety. Gilad, I. & Byran, E. (2007). Ergonomic evaluation of the ambulance interior to reduce AMEMSO is devoted to reducing the paramedic discomfort and posture stress. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and risk and incidence of injuries in the EMS Ergonomics Society, 49, 1019-1032. workforce. By identifying the causes of Harbin, G. & Olson, J. (2005). Post-offer, pre-placement testing in industry. American problems in such a large cohort (n = Journal of Industrial Medicine, 47, 296-307. 6,700), we hope to be able to understand Lavender, S.A., Conrad, K.M., Reichelt, P.A., Meyer, F.T. & Johnson, P.W. (2000). Postural job-related risk factors more clearly and analysis of paramedics simulating frequently performed strenuous work tasks. Applied to significantly contribute to the develop- Ergonomics, 31, 45-57. ment of a standardized physical demands Maguire, B.J., Hunting, K.L., Guidott, T.L. & Smith, G.S. (2005). The epidemiology of occu- test specific to paramedics. A reduction pational injuries and illnesses among EMS personnel. Prehospital Emergecncy Care, 9, 405-411. in injuries and the creation of a safer Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia (2000). Finding Solutions: Evaluation work environment for all paramedics is of paramedic tasks and equipment to control the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Worker’s the ultimate goal of the study. Compensation Board of British Columbia: Richmond, B.C.
30 | | Association Information | 2010 EMS WEEK: Featuring Muskoka This year AMEMSO offered its members the opportunity to showcase their EMS WEEK efforts. Beyond the obvious provincial exposure, the Board sought to illustrate a positive and progressive approach to EMS awareness. Our choice this edition is Muskoka. Muskoka has an extensive public rela- tions plan extending throughout the year. In addition to an annual staffing pattern of 122,000 hours, paramedics volunteer an average of 700 hours or more to com- munity events and services. The check list for EMS WEEK 2010 included: • Distribution of VIALS OF LIFE; • Radio interview and advertisement; • Displays at busy retailers including two Wal-mart stores and a Canadian Tire; • Articles for What’s Up Muskoka and the Weekender Newspaper; • Car seat clinic; • Child Identification Program – Kids Print; • EMS display at District offices at 70 Pine Street; • Monday to Friday, open house each day at one of the five targeted stations in: Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Port Carling and Mactier for the public to come and meet the paramedics, and a tour of stations and the chance to • Food drives; Paramedic Instructors for staff and pub- view equipment; • School visits; lic; • Information handouts on calling 911; • Port Carling Library Read Along • BP Clinics; • Display case with posters at Swiss Ambulance Tour; • Ambulance vehicle and equipment dem- Chalet; • Honour Guard representation at various onstrations; and • Ambulance vehicle and equipment dem- events and memorials; • Participation in the RISK program with onstrations; and • Paramedic Bike Team; high schools. • Participation in the RISK program with • Boat Show; Whew, a busy agenda for a progressive, high schools. • Cranberry Fest; people-oriented service! Congratulations • Fall Fairs; to Terri Burton, Director, Emergency Other 2010 events include: • Racing Against Drugs; Services, Muskoka EMS and Public Relations • Hosting the 25th annual softball tour- • Child Seat Clinics; Coordinator, Stu McKinnon, Paramedic, nament for provincial EMS; • Two Community CPR events annually; Medavie EMS Ontario on a successful week • EMS Awards in June at Council; • Emergency Preparedness Week; and more. Terri and Stu are willing to dis- • Participation in Winter Carnivals • Flu Clinics throughout the District; cuss or assist activities with any service throughout Muskoka; • Marine Boating licensing through wishing to enhance their program.
www.emsontario.ca | 31 | Association Information | Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) Updates 2010 Ontario Municipal Management Institute (OMMI) - Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) Accreditations
What’s OMMI? Its focus Keith Kirkpatrick, Kawartha Lakes CMM III EMS PROFESSIONAL is to enhance management skills through Randy Mellow, Peterborough Doug Rawson, Beausoleil First Nation accreditation, education and training in Denise Ingram, Durham Region David Gemmil, Frontenac County order to strengthen the quality of local Harmon Allen, Durham Region Harold Rabb, Kenora District government administration. The class of James Moir, Durham Region Kim Fraser, Durham Region 2010 with an emphasis on EMS Management: Troy Cheseboro, Durham Region Steve Rowland, Durham Region Kent Padfield, Bruce County CMM III EMS EXECUTIVE CMM II EMS PROFESSIONAL Neal Roberts, Niagara Region CMM II EMS EXECUTIVE Andrew Tickner, Kenora District Brent Browett, Hamilton Susan Brown, Frontenac County Gordon Glibbery, Hamilton Blaine Lucas, Hamilton Stephan Dewar, Hamilton Douglas Waugh, Hamilton
| Association Information | AMEMSO Board Members AMEMSO Executive
President Past-President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Norm Gale Paul Charbonneau Dan McCormick Michel Chrétien Neal Roberts City and District of Frontenac County District of United Counties of Niagara Region Thunder Bay Rainy River Prescott-Russell Zone Directors Board Support Central Eastern Northern South/Western
Richard J. Patrick Kennedy Joseph Nicholls Charles Longeway Jim Price Helen Letourneau Armstrong County of Haliburton City of Greater County of Brant Communications Administrative Durham Region Sudbury Assistant
John Lock Doug Socha Mike Trodd John Prno Kate Bearman Amy Back City of Toronto Hastings-Quinte District of Timiskaming Region of Waterloo Special Assistant Special Projects
32 | | Association Information | The AMEMSO Spotlight Shines On…
Cerca Marketing Inc. abroad. They range from municipal EMS donated to the Military Families Fund. Cerca Marketing Inc. is a full service, and fire services to ambulance services Created in April 2007 by the former internet marketing agency based in Ottawa in Dubai, from First Nations to auto Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hill- that specializes in web projects such as: parts manufacturers, from commun- ier, the Military Families Fund assists mil- web site design, website development, ity and state colleges to community itary families faced with unforeseen and website content management system churches. They include Canada Post, often immediate needs. The Fund provides implementations, web e-commerce, Public Health Canada, the Department grants, including rehabilitation, educa- internet search engine marketing, internet of National Defence and many others. tion, financial assistance in the case of search engine optimization, online video Team members with various expertises injury or death of a Canadian Forces mem- production, online flash animation, are selected for projects based on the ber due to service, and addresses urgent Google keyword market research and client requirements. and extraordinary financial demands optimization, and Google pay-per-click One of the educational services that where the ability to provide family neces- campaigns. EMT offers is seminars, such as the two sities is at risk. The fund continues to In June 2010, Cerca entered into a day session on Crisis Communications. grow through the generous contributions partnership with the AMEMSO. This includ- Following two major Retirement Home of Canadians, corporations and other ed its new and improved Joomla-base web fires in 2008/2009, EMT introduced Long- organizations. implementation solution for all AMEMSO Term Care (LTC) emergency preparedness “As Canadians, we all share the grief members. The site sports an innovative consulting including an annual seminar and anguish when our soldiers are injured design interface, easy navigation and a specifically geared for the LTC and Retire- or killed in the line of duty,” says Tourna- full web-base membership login platform ment Home sector. More than 75 partici- ment Director Kathy Kerr. “Fairways for where each member can manage their pants, representing over 300 facilities Heroes emphasizes the spirit of pride and own profiles and access “members-only” across Ontario attended. respect that we have for our troops and features. It was important to enhance Emergency Management & Training their families, and allows us the oppor- the website platform to achieve workflow continues to evolve to meet client needs tunity to show our appreciation for the management efficiencies for the annual and is currently investigating on-line edu- significant efforts and sacrifices they conference so the team at Cerca imple- cation, webinars, etc. Darryl Culley and experience in order to make our world a mented an “e-commerce transactional his team look forward to meeting the safer place to live.” module” to the site to enable participants needs of the industry. Former Chief of Defence Staff, General to securely register online with ease! For more information, please go to Hillier, and other military personnel of AMEMSO is very pleased with the results. www.emergencymgmt.com. varying ranks, together with a diverse For more information about group of individuals representing emer- Cerca’s Search Engine, Marketing and 2010 Fairways for Heroes gency medical, funeral, police, death Optimization offerings, please visit Charity Golf Tournament investigation and other services, enjoyed www.cercamarketing.com. On June 9, 2010, over 190 golfers par- an incredible day of golfing, followed by ticipated in the 1st annual Fairways for a banquet and prize presentation. Winners Emergency Management & Heroes charity golf tournament in support of this year’s inaugural event were a team Training Inc. of the families of Canadian troops injured representing Peel Regional Police. Emergency Management & Training Inc. or killed in action. Plans are already underway for the 2nd is a firm focused on strategic training for The event was held at the Carlisle Annual Fairways for Heroes Charity Golf EMS, fire, and telecommunications centres, Golf and Country Club near Burling- Tournament to take place on Wednesday, as well as emergency preparedness for pub- ton, Ontario. It was organized by a June 8, 2011 at Carlisle Golf and Country lic, private and governmental organizations. volunteer committee representing the Club. With three full time staff and two funeral, police, emergency medical ser- For more information, please contact dozen contracted team members, it now vices and death investigation sectors. Kathy Kerr at fairwaysforheroes@gmail. serves clients across North America and All proceeds from the tournament were com.
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