Ever want to ride a bicycle built for 30?
The Toronto Paramedic Association, in cooperation with Toronto EMS and Toronto Cardiac Safe City will be participating in the Heart and Stroke Big Bike fundraising event on May 8, 2012 at 1300hrs.
This event will raise much needed funds for CPR, AED and Heart and Stroke research.
We are looking for 25 TEMS employees to join us on the Big Bike. Each rider must raise a minimum of $50.00 each. Please join us for this great and fun event. The event will take place in the Yonge and Sheppard area.

To sign up to the team or to sponsor a rider please visit:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1007060&supId=0&team=5044874&cj=Y

Questions?

Please Contact Geoff at president@torontoparamedic.com or John Stone at jstone@torontoparamedic.com

Your TPA membership dues are tax-deductible.
If you’d like a tax-receipt emailed to you please fill out this form.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Toronto Paramedic Association is a proud supporter of the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank. Our annual food drive is a bit different this year with a focus on online financial donations instead of physical foodstuff donation.

Click here to Donate Online


Why donate financially instead of with actual food?

A Financial Donation offers
- increased purchasing power (wholesale/bulk prices)
- rapid distribution through pre-established channels
- the Daily Bread Food Bank can buy the food required at the time
- less labour to collect and transport food from drop-off locations

Physical Food-stuff Donations
- are usually purchased at retail prices
- may not suit required needs
- require extensive physical labour for collection and distribution

Click here to Donate Online

Our progress
$1145 so far

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/462229#ixzz1bRZj1L9r

The Ontario Paramedic Association has launched the SendThePros.ca campaign.

The TPA was back at City Hall today to participate in a CACO Rally for Paramedics and to, once again, make deputations at the Executive Committee Meeting.
The National Post interviewed Geoff and Mike and have a ‘blog’ entry up here.

Some members are still there waiting for their two minutes to voice their concerns regarding the KPMG report.  Thanks, everyone, for your dedication to your profession!

ParamedicsPutPatientsFirst.ca has released their first video to YouTube. 
Looks great!

Apologies if this post shows up in your FB feed twice

Many TPA members descended on Nathan Phillip’s Square in their new TPA shirts to partake in a Wellness Clinic for the folks enjoying a beautiful day in downtown Toronto.

While the jokes about blood-pressures and City Hall were plentiful we found most people feeling (and measuring) pretty good.  Many ‘patients’ had questions about services provided by paramedics in Toronto and across the province.  Every person assessed left with their vitals handy for their next physician visit and most wanted to know when we’d be back.

Toronto EMS has a great info-video on YouTube.
Impressive summary of how Toronto’s residents and visitors are served and how paramedics find you when you need them.

Paramedics, firefighters, police officers and thousands of citizens from around the world lost their lives 10 years ago, today. The impact from the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington continue to resonate throughout our professions and our lives.

Our ability to help those in need affords us a unique perspective on tragedies; we treat the worst, hope for the best, and learn from all of it.

Take a moment to remember the selfless acts of bravery and camaraderie demonstrated by our colleagues 10 years ago, and every day since.  Remember that the drive to care and help that those people carried with them is the same that you use each day in your jobs; every call, every patient.

Be proud of your profession, your colleagues, and what we’ve learned from that terrible day 10 years ago.

September 11, 2001.
We will always remember.

With municipal planning decisions and provincial elections quickly approaching there is a lot of information, and misinformation, circulating mainstream and social media.

The TPA is working with several other groups to ensure that facts are shared so that informed decisions can be made to protect our public healthcare.

Check out ParamedicsPutPatientsFirst.ca

Roberta Scott, a Toronto-based paramedic, is in New York City this weekend to represent the OPA, TPA, and all Canadian paramedics at the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001.

Roberta has been doing interviews with many news organizations to remember those lost that day and the ongoing effects of that devastating day.

Check out her CBC interview on Metro Morning here, or with John Tory on the Live Drive from Friday.  Newz4u also has an article describing her journey there now, and nine years ago.

Paramedic Roberta Scott and George Contreras NYC EMT/Paramedic at Ground Zero on the 1st Anniversary of 9/11 (CNW Group/Toronto Paramedic Association)

The full press release is here.

TPA President Geoff MacBride was interviewed on Global TV as part of a story on the proposed cuts to Toronto Fire Services.

Advanced care paramedic Bryan Rusk was on CBC Radio this morning being interviewed by Metro Morning’s Karen Horsman.

If you missed the live broadcast have a listen at the CBC’s website.
CBC Metro Morning – Delivered by EMS

Great job, Bryan!

Please view the TPA Deputation to the Executive Committee regarding the KPMG recommendation on merging TFS/TEMS, which had to be edited to 3 minutes for the deputation. We were 164 out of approximately 300 speakers.

The Council began session at 0930 hrs July 28, 2011:

Jul 29 2011 @ 0230 hrs

EMS Fire Merger Debate NewsTalk 1010′s Live Drive with John Tory.

CUPE 416 President Mark Ferguson and TPFFA 3888 Recording Secretary Treasurer Frank Ramagnano discuss part of the recent KPMG report suggesting a merger of portions of Toronto EMS and Toronto Fire.

TPA President Geoff MacBride was interviewed as part of a story done at the National Post. The KPMG reports released this week have made a lot of headlines and EMS is involved in several of them.

“We’re in a War with the Fire Department” – National Post

City of Toronto – Core Services Review by KPMG

EMS Week 2011

EMS WEEK KICK OFF May 16th at City Hall Nathan Phillips Square, 0730-1500. Participate in the friendly skills obstacle course. Come out and support your profession and engage the public! Please RSVP media@torontoparamedic.com so we can ensure that lunch is provided for you.

Greetings from the Board of Directors of the Toronto Paramedic Association. My name is Geoff MacBride and I am the new President of the Board. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newly appointed Board of Directors.

Glen Gillies has moved from the Executive Secretary role into the Vice-President position, whilst Brian Annett has taken over the Executive Secretary position. Dave Hutcheon is the new Treasurer and Rachel Janer remains in her role as Registrar. Jesse MacNevin continues to do incredible work in the Information Technology portfolio and Steve Annett is the new Director of Public Relations.

Two long-serving and highly-involved Directors, Alex Pierson and Roberta Scott have moved on to other important aspects in their lives and the Board wishes them well and thanks them for their incredible contributions to the profession of Paramedicine.

This new Board of Directors marks an important new direction for the Toronto Paramedic Association. This Board has committed to ensuring and improving real time, two-way member based feedback and direction. As a Board of Directors, our job is to serve the needs and desires of the membership and we need to know what the members want in order to do so. As a member of the TPA, you will notice a significant increase in communication and opportunity to take an active role in your Association in the months to come. We all have ideas and questions surrounding so many aspects of our profession and we all deserve to be heard. The TPA is committed to actively and appropriately representing the needs of our members and our profession.

You have likely received, and if not, will be receiving in the mail, the first of our feedback based initiatives. We hope that you will take part in this and future surveys to help move this and other issues forward.

Our Profession is also at a turning point where many important decisions surrounding it will be made in the next few years. You can rest assured that the TPA will be at the forefront of all these discussions, guided by the feedback from the membership and with the best interests of those who work in our profession.

Please take part in your Association. Get involved and be heard. Together we can do great things. For any and all of your Toronto Paramedic Association needs, just click on www.torontoparamedic.com.

Sincerely,

Geoff MacBride
President
Toronto Paramedic Association

Two nights, six bands!

Thursday, May 26th
Drunk on Sunday
The Midburns
IV League

Monday, May 30th
Destructo
The Screamin’ Sarahs
East of Burden

Featuring Special Guest/MC – Morgan Phillips (both nights)
ETON House, 710 Danforth AVE-E of Pape
Shows start @ 1930 hrs
Tickets $15 in Advance, $20 at the Door
E-mail emcardj@gmail.com for tickets!

Online Purchase NOW Available!

For May 26th – http://armf1.eventbrite.com/
For May 30th – http://armf2.eventbrite.com/

The UPPERCAN 400 MOTO RALLY – THE RIDE FOR KEVIN is an eight hour, self-navigated motorcycle rally in southern Ontario in which riders stretch the legs of their bikes to cover long distances for a great cause.

Toronto paramedic Matt Alloway started the event to support the Kevin Mills Relief Effort and has since expanded it raise awareness and money for all spinal cord research and rehabilitation.

The rally runs June 11, 2011 and if you’d like more info check out

www.uppercan400.com

Since 1973, Toronto EMS has been fortunate to have John Coffey as a paramedic. Condolences to his family and colleagues who will truly miss a legend. Arrangements have been made at the Ogden Funeral home, which is located at 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough (E. of Kennedy Rd).

Visitation is on Thursday, May 17th between 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral is on Friday, May 18th at 11:30 a.m.

RIP John – THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN

The TPA is a Not For Profit organization and members are eligible to file a receipt for their 2010 dues. To request a receipt please fill out this form.

Your receipt will be emailed to you.

Our deepest condolences to our friends and colleagues at Toronto Police Services.
May Sgt Ryan Russell’s wife, son, family & friends find strength and support during this very difficult time.

May Sgt Russell rest in peace.

Visitation
Jerret Funeral Home
8088 Yonge Street
Thornhill, ON
Online Condolences

Sunday, January 16
1300-1700hrs
Monday, January 17
1500-1900hrs

Funeral Arrangements

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
1300hrs
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
South Building, 255Front Street West.

Mark Dailey, the voice of CityTV and Toronto, died on December 6, 2010 after battling cancer.  Mark was a great friend to paramedics in Toronto and across the GTA; he will be remembered and missed dearly.

CityNews Video Tribute
Information on Visitation and a Public Celebration of Mark’s Life

Updated 2010.12.8
John O’Mahony was killed on Monday, Dec 6 when the Alberta Health Services ambulance he was driving was struck by a tractor-trailer.  A second medic, their patient, and a family member were transported to hospital with unknown injuries  As information becomes available we will update this site.
Our thoughts are with our colleagues in Alberta as they cope with this tragedy.

Links:
AHS EMS LODD News Release 2010-12-06
AHS EMS News
Edmonton Journal Story

The TPA and Toronto EMS are teaming up to help the Daily Bread Food Bank stock the cupboards for thousands of Torontonians.

Non-perishable food donations can be made at
TEMS HQ
All district offices
EMS stations 10/17/21/25/34/37/42/43.

Financial donations can be made online by clicking here
or in other ways right here.

TPA members are needed to help with this event.

The Toronto Paramedic Association in Partnership with Toronto EMS is proud to support the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish toy drive. Toronto EMS staff and supporters will be helping to pack and sort toys for less fortunate children at the CHUM Christmas Wish warehouse on both Dec 1 2010 and Dec 6 2010 between 1330hrs and 1700hrs. The Warehouse is located at 1366 Blundell Rd. in Mississauga. During this holiday season it is so important to give back to our communities. Won’t you please volunteer your time to come out and help this worthwhile cause? There are only 40 volunteer spots available for each day so please express your interest ASAP. Please contact TEMS Dispatcher Angela Dershko to volunteer at adershk@toronto.ca or contact TEMS Paramedic and TPA Vice President Geoff MacBride at 647-228-9164 if you would like more information and/or to fill a volunteer spot. Together we can make a kids Christmas.

The Toronto EMS Friendship Fund has been in existence since the late 1970’s.
It was set up to provide a small token gift in cases of members who have been hospitalized, welcomed a new addition to the family or pay respects to a member who has experienced a death in the family.
 
Over the years this fund has worked well and many flower arrangements and gift baskets to name a few have been given out.
 
As with everything else, things change, and as a result it is time to call an election to appoint a new executive to operate the Fund, plus plan a new vision for the role this fund will take on into the future.
 
As a result, I will coordinate the acceptance of nominations for the following Fund positions:
 
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Deputy Treasurer
3 Directors
 
 
If you are a member, please submit your nominations to me no later than December 15.
 
Once the nominations are received an election for a new Board will be held in January.
 
If you are not a member, this is your chance to sign up at a dollar a pay, and take part in the rebirth of this organization into the future.
E mail me and I will arrange for you to become a member.
 
Bruce Newton
bnewton@toronto.ca
 
 
Bruce Newton,
Superintendent, Operations
Toronto Emergency Medical Services, 4330 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5R9
416-392-1893
bnewton@toronto.ca
Pager 416-715-8602

It is with heavy hearts that we think of our fellow paramedics at BCAS Ambulance Services today, who will be at the Memorial for Jo-Ann Fuller and Ivan Polivka and their families. 

Roberta Scott will be there to represent the Toronto, as well as the Ontario, Paramedic Association. 

To access the webcast of the Memorial, please enter:  http://a4.g.akamai.net/f/4/79195/30s/smb2.download.akamai.com/79195/4000/5469/5478/7624/Lobby/default.htm.

It is scheduled for 1300 hrs (PDT). 

Sincerely, the Board of Directors

Transcribed shortly after the Mayoral Candidate Debate on CP24, in case you missed it:  (21:12:21) – OCT/19/10

Ben Mulroney:  Thank you very much, Steven [Moderator].  I’m standing here with Roberta.  Roberta has got a question about paramedics.

Roberta Scott:

Hi!  I am a paramedic.  I’ve been a paramedic in the City for 24 years.  And I’m on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Paramedic Association.  Um, of the three emergency services in this city, police officers and firefighters are essential services, but Toronto Paramedics are still not an essential service.  And what that means is… in the event of another city strike, like we had last summer, um, 75% of the paramedics will be at work but 25% will be on strike.  That’s a quarter of the number of the paramedics in the city will not be at work.  And the Toronto Paramedic is very concerned that lives will be at risk if that happens again. So, our question to you is – If you become mayor, what are you going to do, in the case of another city strike to keep the public safe?  Are you going to make Toronto Paramedics an essential service?

Ben Mulroney:  Great Question.
Read the rest of this entry »

TORONTO, Oct. 19 /CNW/ – With the City election only days away, the Toronto Paramedic Association would like to raise a very important election issue to all council and mayoral candidates, as well as to the voters in the City of Toronto.  Toronto Paramedics are still not deemed an essential service similar to Police Officers and Firefighters. In the event of another city strike like last summer, Toronto Paramedics will again be forced to work at only 75% of the normal complement, and this could mean the difference between life and death for millions of people.  This fact is of great concern to the Toronto Paramedic Association, as it should be for everyone who lives in this city.  The Toronto Paramedic Association believes that on a regular basis and not withstanding a strike situation, that the number of Ambulances and Paramedic crews on duty, that are available to service emergency calls in Toronto, is already dangerously low. Therefore, in a strike situation, at 75% staffing, we are very concerned that we will not be able to keep our response times to critical life and death emergency calls at an acceptable and safe level.  This situation will put lives at risk, and as medical professionals and patient care advocates, we are speaking out, in hopes that the new council and mayor will not let this continue.  The Toronto Paramedic Association is asking for the support of the public, our new city council, and mayor to finally assure the safety of the city, by making essential service status for Paramedics a priority issue in this election.  By designating Toronto Paramedics an essential service, the same as Police Officers and Firefighters, this new city council will finally be reassuring all citizens of Toronto that if and when a medical emergency happens to them, they can have absolute confidence that they will always receive the life-saving skills of a highly trained Paramedic in time.
For further information:
Roberta Scott
P.R. Director
Toronto Paramedic Association
Cell 416 456-6989

The Toronto Paramedic Association advocates very strongly on many issues relevant to the profession of Paramedicine and for the Paramedics of Toronto. In keeping with this commitment, we have recently gotten involved in the upcoming Toronto municipal election by developing and sending out a survey to the candidates for both mayor and council.

In this survey, 3 questions were posed:

1. Do you believe Paramedics should be legislated an essential service, the same as Firefighters and Police?
2. Given the challenges that Toronto EMS faces on a daily basis, do you believe that the current EMS model, staffing level and resource availability is sufficient for the City of Toronto?

3. Would you and your council support a separate bargaining unit for Paramedics within TCEU Local 416?

At this time, the response from the survey has unfortunately been less than 50% returned. However, the data from the Read the rest of this entry »

The TPA is working to make sure that all members have access to accurate, up-to-date information regarding the association.  With a new website, our @TPAnews, and our ever-growing Facebook site (Toronto Paramedic Association) we’re trying to stay accessible wherever you find yourself.

Soon you’ll be able to update your contact information, share your opinion on TPA initiatives, and find out more ways to get involved to help promote and advance your profession.

WELCOME TO THE TORONTO PARAMEDIC ASSOCIATION!