Toronto Emergency Medical Services hosts station-opening event

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto Emergency Medical Services Chief Paul Raftis and Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17 Davenport) hosted a community open house this evening for the official opening of Ambulance Station 30 in Toronto.

The event was attended by community residents and many of the 22 paramedics who work out of the station. Residents were able to meet the paramedics, tour the station, an ambulance and other emergency medical support vehicles.

"I am very pleased to be able to co-host this event with Toronto EMS and also to be able to share a look behind the scenes of paramedicine with the residents of Ward 17," said Councillor Palacio. "It's wonderful to be able to personally meet and to thank these dedicated paramedics who save lives and who help people in our community every day."

Chief Paul Raftis said, "The community is well served by these highly skilled medical professionals, and I am very proud of their work. Toronto EMS paramedics have been trained to deal with every type of medical emergency that residents may experience."

Chief Raftis and Councillor Palacio presented long-service medals to several employees, recognizing their years of outstanding service to Torontonians.

A charity barbecue was held as part of the event and funds were raised in support of Toronto EMS's Scouts Canada Medical Venturer program.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

Media contact: Kim McKinnon, Superintendent Public Information and Media, 416-392-2255,  [email protected]