PAC eNews

View in Browser

January 29, 2026

Paramedic Association of Canada Pac eNews Hero Image

TOP NEWS

EMS seeks clinician-backed upgrade to 911 dispatch

CKLW-AM
An EMS chief pressed provincial leaders to add clinicians to a new 911 dispatch system. He said this would sharpen call sorting and ease pressure from rising demand. He noted similar models abroad already boost efficiency. Read More

PARAMEDIC NEWS

Ontario's funding refusal adds pressure to Hastings-Quinte paramedic planning

Belleville Intelligencer
Hastings-Quinte Paramedics advanced long-term planning while confronting a provincial funding refusal. Officials reported steady call volumes that eased pressure. Leaders said response times remain strong as they study localized challenges. Read More

Snowstorm triggers brief code black for Essex-Windsor EMS

CBC
A recent snowstorm left Essex-Windsor EMS without available ambulances. Paramedics reported the code black as emergency calls and delays surged. Officials say the brief outage reflected rising strain on local response systems. Read More

Join Medavie as a Primary Care Paramedics

Be an Advance Care Paramedic with Medavie

Promoted by Medavie

Toronto cuts 911 wait times after operator hiring push

CBC
Toronto's 911 callers now reach operators in just seconds after major staffing boosts. The shift follows earlier reports of long delays. Officials say improved hiring and retention eased pressure on the city's busiest emergency center. Read More

British Columbia paramedics push for swift return to stalled contract talks

Coast Mountain News
British Columbia's paramedics warn of potential job action after contract talks collapsed. The union says stalled negotiations deepen risks to emergency response. Leaders urge the province to quickly return to bargaining. Read More

Buffy's Tavern Episode 1

Promoted by RadioEMS
Buffy’s Tavern brings together EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and EMS leaders for candid group conversations about life on the front lines of emergency medicine. Hear real stories, raw emotions, and behind-the-scenes insights from the people who answer the call when lives are on the line. Powerful, honest, and deeply human. Learn More

Off-duty paramedic steps in during rising overdose crisis

Castanet
A paramedic describes stopping to help a man in distress during a surge in local overdose calls. He says his duty compels him to act when witnessing emergencies downtown. The incident reflects growing pressure as toxic drug responses climb. Read More

Olds reviews how firefighters support delayed EMS response

The Albertan
Olds firefighters now respond when ambulances face long delays and emergencies are life-threatening. The policy focuses on critical breathing or heart issues. Crews also assist EMS with difficult lift situations requiring extra hands. Read More

Bravery award stirs complex emotions after deadly house fire

Global News
A Nova Scotia man reflects on receiving a bravery award after rescuing his neighbor from a devastating house fire. He describes gratitude mixed with difficulty in celebrating the event. The blaze left deep emotional scars after claiming several young lives. Read More

Canada boosts funding to strengthen 9-8-8 crisis support

Government of Canada
Canada is expanding support for its national suicide crisis helpline with a major new investment. The service offers nonstop bilingual assistance for people in distress or concerned about loved ones. A nationwide network of partners continues to operate and coordinate the program. Read More

Ottawa woman's hours-long wait for ambulance sparks concern

CTV News
A 75-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after tripping at a friend's home. Her husband described her intense pain while they waited nearly three hours for help. Paramedics were delayed when multiple crews were redirected to life-threatening calls. Read More

Ontario seeks paramedics to join pilot death investigation team

Ontario Paramedic Association
Ontario has launched a pilot to recruit paramedics as Provincial Death Investigators. The initiative aims to expand investigative capacity and address on-scene staffing gaps in select regions. Candidates will support inquiries into non-natural and eligible natural deaths. Read More

British Columbia paramedics warn strike vote could strain emergency care

CTV News
British Columbia paramedics caution that job action could leave ambulances understaffed. The union says heavy reliance on overtime threatens patient safety. Negotiators seek a mediator as contract talks stall. Read More

Mayor warns ambulance gaps persist after emergency service cuts

CBC
A rural British Columbia town is seeing mounting concerns over ambulance staffing after emergency department hours were reduced. Officials say promised coverage has not been consistently met. New data suggests the community still faces periods without full ambulance support. Read More

Family seeks answers after 911 outage hampers emergency calls

iPhone in Canada
A Manitoba family is suing Telus after a 911 outage blocked urgent calls during a fatal heart attack. Relatives say they tried repeatedly to reach help while performing CPR. Reports describe a recorded message urging callers to try again later. Read More

PAC eNews
Paramedic Association of Canada
201-4 Florence St. | Ottawa, ON K2P 0W7
613-836-6581 | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
www.paramedic.ca

Pepper Van Slyke
Content Editor, Multiview
469-420-2636 | Contact me

Unsubscribe | Learn how to add us to your safe sender list so our emails get to your inbox.

ADVERTISE | SUBSCRIBE | PAST ISSUES

Published by
Multiview Logo