Palliative Care Treat & Refer Directives are now available.

The Palliative Care Medical Directives provide the standards of paramedic care for patients receiving palliative care who are attended by emergency paramedics participating in the Ministry of Health's special project, Paramedics Providing Palliative Care.

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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.

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The RPPEO has rescinded Medical Advisory 2012-006 "Drug Shortage: Atropine preload."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

Fall 2023 CME for Advanced Care Paramedics launches online October 11, 2023.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO) has revised several of our policies.

Paramedics and others for whom RPPEO policies provide guidance should note that there are two important updates to policies CLI 180 and CLI 230. Most of the other policies reviewed received minor revisions that do not substantively impact the guidance.

The revised policies and all RPPEO Policies are available in the online Policy Manual. Read on for more detail on the policy updates.

You'll find the complete online Spring 2022 CME ready for you now in MedicLEARN!

This entirely online CME launched on May 11, 2022. While this CME activity is directed at Advanced Care Paramedics certified at the RPPEO, Primary Care Paramedics are welcome to view or complete these modules as well!

Paramedics have until the end of the current certification period - January 31, 2023 - to complete Spring 2022 CME and any other requirements for maintenance of certification.

RPPEO Spring 2024 CME is launching online on Wednesday, March 13. The RPPEO's Spring continuing medical education module is aimed at ACPs. PCPs from paramedic services supporting participation are also welcome to participate in the Spring session.

RPPEO today emailed a Spring 2024 CME Launch Letter containing details of the education to each certified paramedic in our region.

Paramedic services will have participants' class schedule as we move into the classroom period this Spring.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

The online module for RPPEO's Spring 2025 Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is now available on MedicLEARN!

All Advanced Care Paramedics and those Primary Care Paramedics participating in Spring CME are encouraged to complete the online portion as soon as you can. The module available on MedicLEARN must be complete before paramedics undertake the classroom portion. 

This year’s CME, "The Competency Challenge: Mastering Rare but Essential Skills," takes a hybrid approach, blending online learning with hands-on, in-class training. The focus is on building confidence and mastery in high-acuity skills that paramedics must be ready to perform, even if they are used infrequently in the field.

What You’ll Learn

📌 Skill Mastery & Critical Interventions – Practical training in essential paramedic skills.
📌 Cognitive Practice & Visualization – Enhancing performance through mental rehearsal techniques.

Key Skill Areas:
✔ Advanced Airway Management
✔ CVAD Access
✔ Cardioversion
✔ Pacing
✔ Magill Forceps Use

Spring CME launched online on March 31, 2025. The classroom component is scheduled in collaboration with paramedic services and paramedics will receive information on their schedule from their service.

RPPEO-certified paramedics are invited to participate in Trauma Day, an 8-hour intensive learning experience where you will learn and practise the latest techniques in trauma response and management.

RPPEO has partnered with Prescott-Russell Paramedic Service to bring paramedics this focused learning opportunity. Trauma expert Eric Gagnon, ACP, will show you the latest information and concepts in trauma management in this hands-on class.

Trauma Day is being offered in Kingston on November 22 and in Ottawa on December 20. A limited number of spots are available. ACPs receive priority booking since the content focuses on advanced care concepts and techniques.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO) is excited to announce the return of Trauma Days for 2024! Following the success of our full-day courses in Ottawa and Kingston last year, Eric Gagnon is back to deliver his popular and informative Trauma Day Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO) is excited to announce the return of Trauma Days for 2025! Following another year of success, Eric Gagnon is back to deliver his popular and informative Trauma Day Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions.

Patients can now have one support person accompanying them at an Ottawa Hospital (TOH) emergency room (ER).

On August 16, 2021, TOH updated its visitor restrictions. The Ottawa Hospital is currently in low visitor restrictions as part of the hospital’s ongoing response to COVID-19. 

Paramedics are encouraged to inform family and loved ones of patients who would benefit from a support person that they may go to the TOH ER.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sara-Pier Piscopo has joined the Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario as a new Associate Medical Director.

Dr. Piscopo is a pediatric emergency physician with a strong background in prehospital and transport medicine. She completed her fellowship in Prehospital and Transport Medicine (PTM) at the University of Ottawa, where she developed a keen understanding of EMS systems and care delivery beyond the hospital setting.

Her clinical work has focused on pediatric emergency medicine, and she brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the acute care of children and youth.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Piscopo to the RPPEO team!

Now we're committed!

Spring 2021 CME announced, staff working on content

We pushed the little green 'go' button launching Cycle 1 2021 CME last week.

New to our line-up this year is a series of four one-hour workshops featuring paramedics who are content specialists. Registration is now open for paramedics to attend the virtual live events with four presenters that Jeremiah has lined up across May 4, 5, and 6.

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Methoxyflurane Study Launches Treatment Phase

Our research study will begin to use Penthrox on the road in Hastings-Quinte starting on Wednesday.

Since Health Canada approved Penthrox for pain relief use in Canada in 2018, paramedic services have been adopting the non-opioid analgesic.

The low-dose medication is delivered to patients by an inhaler which patients who have acute trauma may use themselves when they're in the care of paramedics. Patients report improvements in pain scores, with "side effects" that include dizziness and euphoria.

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Following identification of patient safety incidents regarding use of IV EPINEPHrine for anaphylaxis across the region, Dr. Richard Dionne, Regional Medical Director, has issued an important Medical Advisory for paramedics identifying the patient safety risk with using the IV route in administration of EPINEPHrine for anyone who is profusing.

Paramedics should read Medical Advisory 2022-02. If you have any questions, please contact quality@RPPEO.ca.

In This Issue

• RPPEO Holiday Message to Paramedics
• Focus: Meet the Physicians from Your Consultations on the Phone
• Deadline Alert: Maintenance of Certification
• BHP Corner: What's the Big Deal about Atrial Fibrillation?
• Quality & Patient Safety: The Times are A-Changing in Paramedicine

Read the issue!

In this issue

• Your full Spring 2022 CME line-up announced
• Contraindicated: Why we gave medications to 104 patients who weren't eligible for them last year (and what we can do about it)
• BHP Corner: Acute Behavioural Disturbance
• First Reading: the RPPEO's New Book Club's first book will get you thinking

Read MedicNEWS now!

See the MedicNEWS archive

In this issue

• Announcing the Lineup for Fall CME
• BHP Corner: Solving the Puzzle of Patient Care During COVID
• Neonatal Resus Key Moments

Read the issue now!

See the MedicNEWS archive

In this issue of MedicNEWS:

• Spring 2024 CME Announced! in Continuing Education
• Paramedics on the Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis in BHP Corner
• Corresponding about Quality & Safety
• A New Clinical Bulletin to Help Your Practice
• RPPEO is Hiring in Announcements

MedicNEWS is the RPPEO bi-monthly news magazine for paramedics in Eastern Ontario.

You can browse the MedicNEWS catalogue or find articles on topics you're interested in by visiting the MedicNEWS page on RPPEO.ca.

Read February 2024 MedicNEWS

In this issue:

• 9 Steps for Handling an Adverse Medication Event
• Regional STEMI Q3 Performance Reports
• BHP Corner: Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
• Spring CME Announcement

Read the issue now!

In this issue

• BHP Corner Talks Pearls and Pitfalls of Discharge
• Risk in Non-transport: It’s Manageable in Quality & Safety
• No Surprises as we Announce the Focus of Spring 2023 CME for ACPs… and PCPs
• Documenting Safety for Vulnerable Patients in A Window on Care
• RPPEO is Hiring! In Announcements

In this issue

• Continuing Education: Unlock 18 hours of elective CME credit available online with just a few clicks, including insightful Critical Levels podcasts. Discover how to enhance your educational journey this year.
• Medical Direction – Feedback for Growth: Dr. Mike Austin takes you into the science and art of giving and receiving feedback, featuring two fascinating paramedic characters, Alex and Brenda, and their post-call reflections. Learn how constructive dialogue can transform patient outcomes and team dynamics.
• Certification – January 31 Deadline: The clock is ticking for your Maintenance of Certification. Get advice on meeting the deadline. And, learn about new Suboxone authorization that expands your scope of practice.
• Pharmacology Resources: Navigate medication information with ease using Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and RPPEO’s Drug Availability Database (DAD). These tools are designed to support informed clinical decisions.

Your July edition of MedicNEWS is here!

RPPEO’s bi-monthly online news magazine for paramedics is your key to insight on the current issues in clinical practice for Eastern Ontario.

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue of MedicNEWS:

MedicNEWS Issue 2.3 is here! In this issue, find out what you should be watching for with MIS-C or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children - sometimes called Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS). It's suspected to be a heightened inflammatory response caused when the child's body releases cytokines that lead to organ and tissue damage and may be related to pediatric COVID-19. Also, in this issue, you'll find an argument debunking the idea of so-called brittle diabetes, announcements about your CME and news for paramedics in this region. Read July MedicNEWS here.

The new issue of MedicNEWS for June/July 2022 is out now: Read it here!

In this issue:

BHP Corner: Should we be ventilating everyone with a baby BVM? Pulmonary barotrauma from assisted ventilation may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality, so it's important to minimize the likelihood of it occurring. Dr. Nick Costain summarizes the evidence and answers the question of whether it’s time to use the pediatric BVM for everyone. See Dr. Costain’s conclusions.

Welcome to the March 2025 issue of MedicNEWS! This edition brings you clinical updates, continuing education opportunities, and system-level developments that impact paramedic practice in our region and beyond.

News Nuggets – Quick, relevant updates from the world of paramedicine, including a critical look at a recent study on physician-paramedic teams and what it really tells us about interdisciplinary care in the field.

Continuing Education – Everything you need to know about Spring 2025 CME, where the focus is on mastering rare but essential skills through hands-on learning and cognitive rehearsal techniques. Plus, we’re excited to announce the return of Trauma Days, now with Level 1 and Level 2 sessions tailored to different experience levels.

Medical Direction: BHP Corner – A deep dive into the complex process of pronouncing death and what paramedics must consider when making this critical determination in the field.

Get Involved – The Ontario Base Hospital Group (OBHG) is seeking Paramedic Advisors to join key committees shaping education, medical direction, and data quality standards. Find out how you can contribute to provincial decision-making.

As always, we want to hear from you! If you come across news items relevant to paramedic clinical care, send them to info@RPPEO.ca with "MedicNEWS" in the subject line.

Enjoy the issue!

Read online or download the PDF version.

In this issue

• Leading the Way: A Video Message for You from Your Medical Director
• The Unexpected Consequences of Epinephrine in BHP Corner
• Side Hustle: How about a part-time gig with RPPEO?! In Announcements
• The Missed Opportunity: How Paramedics Can Influence Patient Outcomes in Quality & Patient Safety
• Discharge Risks: A Comprehensive Guide for Paramedics in A Window on Care
• The Game-Changers: The Latest Medical Advisories You Can't Afford to Miss
• Are YOU Authorized for Patient Discharge? in Continuing Education