And... we're back!

After devoting all our resources to COVID-19 response throughout April, we're back with our staff newsletter.

And, oh my! How we've worked in the last month!

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For just the second year, we'll be marking the WHO's World Patient Safety Day on Thursday, September 17.

Last May, the World Health Organization established the annual focus day to engage people on safer health care. This year, the theme of the event looks to raise the importance of safety for health care providers.

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Staff News

Departmental news

BHITS begins testing for the new ACR data automation program. Once implemented, the automation will shave weeks off the time it takes to add data for ACR auditing, taking it down to nearly real-time data availability.

CLIN We are currently reviewing the way that patch physician (BHP) intake training happens as a first stage in revamping their training.

EDU created a novel online “blended learning” module for Spring CME this year. Leeds-Grenville paramedics are currently using the module and feedback is very appreciative. All PCP in our region will be able to take the CME once we close the live Spring CME later this spring.

Code 72 education, the major theme of Spring CME this year, is getting good feedback from participants. We're noting many signs of appreciation for the content and the way it’s delivered.

Merry Christmas!

It's finally December: the merriest, most wonderful time of the year!
Yes, it's also busy, stressful and hectic. But, remember to plan time into your week to decompress, enjoy quiet moments and do fun things, too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Those of you following the Gregorian calendar will be welcoming in the 2020 New Year this week and a new decade - the second decade of RPPEO. As our anticipation builds for what lies ahead, we take time to reflect on what's come to pass.

Here are some of the highlights of our work at the RPPEO in 2019.

New Patient Care Models

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently developing a "Patient Care Models Standard" intended to set out the criteria for evaluating potential new ways for paramedics to assess, treat or transport patients. We expect a period of consultation once a draft is available.

The MOH is particularly interested in testing new models for

• Alternative destinations
• Treat and release
• Mental health and addictions
• Palliative care

Paramedics helping repatriated Canadians at CFB Trenton

Penny and Richard were in Trenton on Wednesday to support Hastings Quinte Paramedic Service during the 2019 n-CoV repatriation exercise. They watched a dry run of the plane’s arrival, reviewed the flow of patients from the paramedic point of view and spoke at length with paramedics about 2019 novel coronavirus. Hastings Quinte paramedics are helping to transport and care for people repatriated to Canada from China who are in quarantine at CFB Trenton. There are no cases reported of 2019-nCoV among those now at the base.

New Staff Announcement

Jeremiah Soucie joins the RPPEO on Monday, February 24, as one of our new Coordinators. Jeremiah comes to us after a stint in the private sector where he worked for a distillery in Prince Edward County. As a Critical Care Paramedic, Jeremiah worked for Ornge and for Nova Scotia's Emergency Health Services to name just a couple of the several paramedic positions he's held.

RPPEO version X.X

Staying on top of the newest and best practices in paramedicine is a constant effort for paramedics.

But when it comes to supporting and monitoring care according to the most up to date standards, it's our own Q&PS and Education coordinators and contractors who need to stay up to date on the latest in clinical standards.

"when paramedics are looking for clinical guidance, they ask the RPPEO"

Annual Maintenance of Certification: Complete

The annual re-certification milestone is now behind us. At the end of the yearly recertification period, January 31 at midnight, MedicNet sent about 1275 paramedics in our jurisdiction their letter attesting to their authorizations for the coming year.

Along with congratulations to these paramedics for completing another year of CME and meeting RPPEO's requirements to re-certify, we have lots of thanks to the Continuing Education and Certification team for the work that goes into realizing this important yearly achievement.