Celebrating Paramedic Services Week 2024

May 19 to 25, 2024 marks Paramedic Services Week across Canada, a time to show our appreciation for the hard work and contributions of paramedics in our community. This year’s theme, Help Us, Help You, focuses on the innovative programs empowering community members with the tools and knowledge to support paramedics and other emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency.

“Paramedic Services Week provides us the opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for the incredible dedication, professionalism and selflessness of our paramedic services team,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Our paramedics play a unique role and essential role in delivering high-quality and innovative care to those in need, and this year’s theme - Help Us, Help You - underscores the cooperative relationship between them and the communities they serve.”

A formal recognition and proclamation took place at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to celebrate the exceptional work and expertise of Advanced Care Paramedics, Primary Care Paramedics, Emergency Vehicle Technicians, Community Paramedics, Trainers, Logistics staff, Schedulers, Quality Improvement Team and Platoon Superintendents.

The ceremony recognized and welcomed 11 new paramedic recruits who have completed their orientation. Other notable initiatives being recognized during this week’s celebrations include the success of the Community Paramedicine Long-Term Care Program, the expansion of their Automated External Defibrillator (AED) outreach programs and the addition of a Patient Transfer crew, all of which reflect well on this year’s theme.

Emergency response is a collective effort that requires active participation and support from the community. Proactive programs like the Community Paramedicine Long-Term Care Program allow referred patients to take charge of their health care needs while continuing to stay in their homes. Seeing much success since its pilot launch in 2014, a recent provincial evaluation from the Ministry of Long-Term Care shows a 33 per cent reduction in emergency calls, a three per cent response time improvement and a reduction to long-term care home waitlists.

The service is offered as an extension of primary health care that is an accessible, reliable and safe approach to help meet community health needs. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the program currently supports a roster of 1,100 to 1,500 patients locally.

To learn more about Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/paramedicservices.