NEWS RELEASE - ALGOMA DISTRICT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION BOARD
************************* Algoma EMS enhances emergency coverage on the North Shore
Thessalon, ON – In another progressive step for public safety, Algoma EMS, operated by the Algoma District Services Administration Board (ADSAB), has implemented additional paramedic coverage to the area along the North Shore.
In addition to the paramedics that already provided daily coverage from Algoma EMS' Thessalon base, a second ambulance is now being staffed there Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"The need to increase the number of paramedics on the road was dictated by the effect hospital patient transfers have had on our ability to respond to the public's emergency calls in a timely manner," said Paul Guertin, Algoma EMS public information officer.
"Our number of actual emergency calls has remained relatively stable from year to year, yet the number of requests to move patients between healthcare facilities has increased significantly."
The centralization of health care to large urban settings over the past several years has meant that hospitals and healthcare institutions along the North Shore send several patients to both Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie every single weekday either for tests, treatment or admission.
The problem is that the hospitals have no way of moving their patients around the district and so emergency vehicles are used instead.
"The prime mandate of EMS is to provide public safety by being available and ready to respond when a medical emergency happens," said Guertin.
"Even so, under current government legislation, if hospitals have no other alternative for moving stable patients between facilities, then the job must be shouldered by EMS.
"In Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, there are privately operated services that are paid under contract by the hospitals to move stable patients. For whatever reason, no one has stepped up to fill this void in Algoma."
What occurred in the past was that while the paramedics who should have been in Thessalon to respond in the event of a 911 call were gone to Sault Ste. Marie with a hospital patient, the dispatch centre would move an ambulance from either Richards Landing or Blind River to a halfway point to sit for several hours between the two communities.
This meant an extended response time for an emergency call to either community.
"By funding this second ambulance to assist the hospitals with their patient movement needs, the ADSAB is doing what it can to see that the residents of Algoma are able to have their medical transfer needs met and still ensure that paramedics remain available and ready to respond to emergency calls in their assigned communities so as not to jeopardize public safety."
Algoma EMS had to take similar action in Elliot Lake back in 2001.
While previous to the downloading the MOHLTC would supplement that city’s ambulance service budget at year-end to cover the costs of daily transfers to Sudbury, it refused to acknowledge this practice as part of the operating budget following downloading.
Consequently, the ADSAB undertook staffing a second ambulance on weekdays in Elliot Lake to assist with the movement of hospital patients to Sudbury.
After 18 months, the MOHLTC eventually subsidized 50% of the cost as one-time funding to 'enhance response times.'
"We sincerely hope that the ministry will again recognize the necessity of our actions in this situation and provide funding assistance for this increased emergency coverage."
********************** Backgrounder
Algoma EMS is operated by the Algoma District Services Administration Board (ADSAB) and has its headquarters in Thessalon, Ontario.
Algoma EMS provides emergency prehospital care to the Algoma District covering approximately 57,000 square kilometres.
Algoma EMS responds to over 6,000 calls for service each year.
Algoma EMS has 21 ambulances and emergency response vehicles.
Algoma EMS has a staff of 62 Paramedics.
Algoma EMS has eight bases located in the following communities.
Eastern Division • Elliot Lake • Blind River • Richards Landing • Thessalon
Northern Division • Dubreuilville • Hornepayne • Wawa • White River
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