Media Advisory - Code Zero rally: Paramedics and ACOs speak out ahead of municipal election

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2022 /CNW/ - Paramedics and Ambulance Communications Officers from OPSEU/SEFPO Local 462 will be holding a rally on September 21 to raise awareness of the Code Zero issue in Kingston and Frontenac County.

Code Zero is a situation in which there are no ambulances available to respond to 9-1-1 calls for medical emergencies. Due to offload delays and insufficient paramedic resources, this has been occurring with alarming frequency in Kingston and Frontenac County, as well as numerous other municipalities across Ontario.

"Time is critical in many of the medical emergencies that we respond to, like cardiac arrest, stroke, choking, trauma and many more," said Shauna Dunn, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 462. "If these Code Zero situations are not addressed immediately by our municipal leaders, lives will literally be on the line. This election, we need people to vote for candidates who will take this public safety issue seriously."

The Kingston and District Labour Council and Kingston Health Coalition will both be present, along with local politicians and municipal election candidates. OPSEU/SEFPO Local 462 President Shauna Dunn and Vice-President Dave Doran will be available to speak with the media.

Date:                     Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Time:                    3:30 p.m.

Location:             Intersection of Princess St. and Gardiner's Road, Kingston

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)

Dave Doran, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 462 Vice-President, 613-929-3283