In Canada, frontline paramedics commit suicide at five times the rate of the general population, and at rates higher than other first responders and the military. Since 2016, Peel Paramedics have experienced two Paramedic suicides and two attempted suicides. Currently, approximately 5% of our workforce is off due to occupational stress injuries. After the January 2016 suicide in Bolton of veteran paramedic Martin Wood, regional council unanimously supported the implementation of changes to paramedic mental health supports.
While the average Peel resident may experience one traumatic event in their life, such as the death of a child or unexpected death of a friend or relative, a Peel Paramedic will experience over 600 traumatic events during the course of their career. Proactive pre-event and post-event support is not only the right thing to do, it is the most cost-effective thing to do. Paramedics’ health and tax dollars can be saved by rapidly expanding support for the region’s paramedics. An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.
In 2007, Peel Regional Council approved a 10-year facilities plan for Peel Regional. The Health Analytics report, which the plan is based on, called for six ambulance “divisions” (a large station paramedics move out to the community from). In 2012, Peel Paramedic staff revised the plan and reduced it to four divisions, cancelling the divisions in wards 1 and 2.
See the 2007 Approved Faculties Map Here
See the health Analytics report here
See the 2012 Facility changes report here
As a result, the south of Mississauga is now experiencing an urban version of the problems that are rising in Caledon. Ambulances start and finish their shifts 15 km away through dense city traffic. This results in diminished coverage in the south end of Mississauga.
The Peel Paramedic Union supports an external audit of paramedic facilities and coverage to ensure all residents of Peel Region are receiving equal access to Advanced Medical Care
Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, operated by a private corporation called the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), accounts for almost 5% of the annual calls for Peel Paramedic Services at significant cost to the regional taxpayer. Unlike the Peel Regional Police who provide onsite policing under contract, taxpayers are not reimbursed for our services.
With tens of thousands of employees and almost 30 million passengers a year, Pearson is Canada’s largest airport, and the eleventh busiest in North America. Despite this, it lacks any of the onsite paramedic coverage provided in Vancouver or Montreal (both much smaller airports).
The Peel Paramedic Union supports an independent review of the GTAA’s usage of Paramedic Service delivery models in comparison to airports of similar size, to ensure that visitors have access to Peel’s Advanced Care Paramedics in the most cost-effective manner to the taxpayers.
Learn More: http://peelparamedics.com/caledon/
#Paramedic150 OPSEU 277 Peel Paramedic Union Photo Contest Rules/Regulations
Who May Enter
Contest is open to all paramedics across Canada.
About the Contest
Paramedics are invited to submit their best photos which reflects being “A VERY CANADIAN PARAMEDIC” in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. Paramedics must submit creative photos of themselves in uniform being a VERY CANADIAN PARAMEDIC. Think Creatively!
Family members, friends and co-workers can also be in the photo.
Entries must be submitted before midnight by June 30, 2017. Photos will be judged within 14 days after the contest closes and three prizes (first, second and third) will be awarded. Winners will be notified within the timeframe by either telephone, email or social media. Winning photos will be displayed on the OPSEU Local 277 website.
Entry Specifications
Photographic quality images must be entered digitally via our online entry form. Colour or black and white digital original or edited images are acceptable. Digital entries must allow for printing in at minimal 8 x 10 print size with a minimal 100DPI. Hardcopy, photocopied or framed images will not be accepted. Limit of three (3) entries per person. A photo can win only a single prize. Contestants must affirm that submissions are their original work and must be the copyright holder of the image. Contestants are solely responsible for obtaining model releases for any recognizable individual, if applicable. As such, contestants hold the contest sponsors harmless from any breach of copyright or other law in Canada, the USA and elsewhere and from consequential litigation. Submissions can include immediate family members or friends, in addition to the Paramedic member.
OPSEU Local 277 Peel Paramedic reserves the right to disqualify an image before, during, and after judging. OPSEU Local 277 Peel Paramedic Union will retain the use and ownership of entries and reserves the right to publish photographs and/or use them in OPSEU Local 277 promotional material and OPSEU Local 277 charity fundraising events only, without compensation to the photographer. OPSEU Local 277 and or prize sponsors assume no liability for any misuse of copyright. The photographer retains all rights to the image outside of OPSEU Local 277’s use to promote future events and contests. By entering this contest, you are consenting to receiving emails with news and issues relevant to Paramedics.
Contest Judging
Entries will be judged based on creativity, impact, technical quality and how well they express the theme specified upon entry.
Contest Schedule
The #PARAMEDIC150 OPSEU Peel Paramedic Union Local 277 Photo Contest runs from Thursday, June 1, 2017, to midnight June 30, 2017.
OPSEU Local 277 Photo Contest Prizes
1st Place:
$200.00 Cash Prize
2nd Place:
$150 Cash Prize
3rd Place:
$100 Cash Prize