Ornge and NOSM U are collaborating on a study titled "Challenges in Recruitment and Retention of Paramedics: Insights and Solutions in Northern Ontario" and invite paramedics to participate. Your insights as paramedics are invaluable to understanding the challenges and exploring potential solutions for recruitment and retention in our region, particularly for flight paramedics.

Purpose of the Study:

This study aims to gather perspectives on the experiences, opportunities and challenges paramedics face in their career and their decisions to work or continue working in paramedicine. The insights gained will help inform strategies to improve these processes and better support paramedics in our region.

How You Can Participate:

Your participation in this study is voluntary, and your decision to participate or not will not affect your current employment or future opportunities in any way. Participation involves completing an online survey that will take approximately 30 minutes. Your responses will remain confidential and will be used exclusively for research purposes. If you are interested in participating in the second part of the study, you may be invited to take part in a one-hour video-recorded interview to explore in greater depth the existing challenges in the recruitment and retention of paramedics in Northern Ontario.

For more information about the study and to participate, please review the Information Letter available online by clicking here. After reviewing the Information Letter, you may proceed to the survey.

Participants are free to skip any survey questions they do not wish to answer. However, once the survey is submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn, as the survey is not linked to any identifiable information. For the interview portion, participants may decline to answer any questions and can withdraw their responses from the study at any time. However, once the analysis process begins and the data is aggregated, withdrawal will no longer be possible.

In early April 2016, the RPPEO introduced a new tool for Paramedics wishing to report a concern or variance. The Self Report form has been used just over 1300 times to report concerns, variances, and most importantly to help improve patient safety for everyone involved. A very big thank you to everyone who has contributed over the past 4 years.

It is time to retire the Self Report form. In its place the RPPEO is launching a new tool, the Patient Safety Incident Report. This new tool will also replace the Patch Failure tool, and allow for paramedics to report on:

1. Patient Safety Incidents
2. Good Catch/Near miss
3. Hazards
4. Documentation Issues
5. Patch Failures

Enhance Your Pediatric Care Skills with this Expert Seminar on Trauma and Resuscitation in Ottawa on November 29

Join us on Wednesday, November 29 from 09h until 11h30 for a compelling seminar led by Jonathan Lee, an acclaimed Critical Care Paramedic and the founder of KinderMedic. Geared towards a diverse audience of healthcare professionals – paramedics, nurses, physicians, and more – this free seminar promises to elevate your knowledge and skills for managing critical pediatric trauma and resuscitation effectively.

During the session, Mr. Lee will delve into evidence-based concepts and key assessment findings crucial in pediatric resuscitation. Drawing from over 25 years of extensive experience in 911 response, critical care, aeromedical services, and pediatric critical care transport, Jonathan will also share insights on trauma for pediatric patients. These young patients often pose unique challenges, making this seminar a valuable learning opportunity for healthcare providers.

Congratulations to our Director Penny Price voted by EMS1.com as the 10th most influential woman in EMS internationally.

Congratulations Justin and Sandra for amazing efforts. You have both have touch so many lives and saved numerous! Your efforts will go down in history!!
Great work I am honoured to know both of you.

Dr. Mike Austin, MD

An official announcement has been made, the RPPEO has won the Power of a System award in Patient Safety Education from the Canadian Patient Safety Institute

​The Innovations in Patient Safety Education (IPSE) Awards recognize organizations, groups and individuals that demonstrate exemplary practices in patient safety and quality improvement using the Patient Safety Education Program – Canada (PSEP – Canada). Patient safety trainers from healthcare organizations across the country are eligible for awards in three categories: the Power of One, the Power of an Organization and the Power of a System.

RPPEO paramedics are invited to attend a live online discussion about the landmark "DOSE VF" study on October 6, 2023 at 10am. Register now for this event!

The RPPEO has rescinded Medical Advisory 2012-006 "Drug Shortage: Atropine preload."

With the coming into effect of the Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards version 4.9 on February 1, 2022, the Symptomatic Bradycardia Medical Directive now indicates an IV atropine dose of 1mg. This dose may be repeated twice.

Paramedics should provide treatment consistent with this directive.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario today rescinded Medical Advisory 2023-02 entitled, "DimenHYDRINATE (Gravol) for Patients 65 and Older."

Paramedics should now follow guidance provided by the Ministry of Health on consideration and use of dimenHYDRINATE when ondansetron is not available.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO) has released a Clinical Bulletin on Measles Management, developed in response to the 2025 Ontario measles outbreak.

This Clinical Bulletin reflects collaboration with paramedic services across Eastern Ontario, with particular thanks to the Ottawa Paramedic Service for providing valuable feedback on infection control and transport practices.

Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted in the air. 

The bulletin focuses on core best practices in suspected measles, including:

• Early recognition and patient masking
• Use of appropriate airborne precautions PPE, as outlined by your paramedic service
• Timely and effective hospital notification to minimize system disruption
• Operational reminders about running the ambulance’s internal exhaust system during and after transport, in outdoor areas only

These elements are recommended for any scenario where airborne transmission of infectious disease, such as measles, is suspected. 

Reminder on Infection control

Paramedics should be familiar with your paramedic service's policies and procedures on infection control. These are developed in consultation with provincial guidance including:

• Public Health Ontario – Routine Practices and Additional Precautions

• Ontario Ministry of Health – Patient Care and Transportation Standards (PDF)

Routine Practices

Routine Practices are the standard infection prevention and control measures applied to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status. They include:

• Hand Hygiene: Perform before and after patient contact, after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, and after removing gloves.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Based on a point-of-care risk assessment, select appropriate PPE to prevent exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated equipment. This may include gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.

• Environmental Controls: Implement measures such as proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces, safe handling of sharps and waste, and appropriate patient placement.

• Administrative Controls: Ensure policies and procedures are in place for infection prevention and control, staff education, and monitoring compliance.

Airborne Precautions

Airborne Precautions are additional measures used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by the airborne route (e.g., measles, tuberculosis). They include:

• N95 Respirator: Wear a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator when entering the patient care area.

• Patient Placement: Place the patient in an enclosed room with the door closed. Hospitals may place patients in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), if available.

• Patient Transport: Limit patient movement outside a defined space. If transport is necessary, have the patient wear a surgical mask to minimize dispersal of infectious droplets. Inform the receiving hospital of the incoming patient suspected to have infectious disease (i.e., measles)

• Additional PPE: Depending on the situation and risk assessment, additional PPE such as gloves, gowns, and eye protection may be required.

It is important to note that PPE requirements may vary based on the specific clinical situation and the results of a point-of-care risk assessment. Healthcare providers should always assess the risk of exposure and select appropriate PPE accordingly.

The Clinical Bulletin on Measles Management is now posted in the RPPEO Clinical Bulletin Library and can also be accessed directly here: RPPEO Clinical Bulletin on Measles Management.