Staff photo
Council unanimously voted to go ahead with the 10 year Superior North EMS Master Plan.
One of the main focuses was supporting paramedics mental health.
Chief Wayne Gates says this is crucial based on the difficult lifestyle of a paramedic.
“They do 12 hours on site and 12 hours on call, which they have to carry a pager, and they have to be able to respond in eight minutes to the station to get mobile four days non-stop.” said Gates, “From a mental health perspective it is hard on them.”
Councillor Kristen Oliver praised the plan, but says there are other resources such as ORGNE that could be focused on more as well.
“If there’s a major accident on the highway that could be delaying an ambulance traveling into the community for a lifesaving procedure for example.” said Oliver, “I really hope that these municipal leaders are going to take advantage and really explore some opportunities where they can tap into other resources.”
Councillor Oliver says other services such as a designated detox center would help prevent a backlog of paramedics waiting to offload patients for treatment.
Superior North EMS serves 14 areas throughout the region. Part of the plan is to improve the various stations across these 14 areas to help better serve the community.
