Toronto Paramedic Association sounds alarm for need for increased EMS staffing levels.

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Toronto Paramedic Association commends the City of Toronto and its choice to invest in key city services to ensure the continued safety, security, productivity and enjoyment of Toronto's citizens. It is practical to see continued investment in public services through a large increase in staffing at the TTC, and consideration of staff increases, funding and hiring for Toronto Police and Toronto Fire.

It is troubling however that in the midst of all of these discussions there is no talk of increasing Toronto EMS staffing levels. The city's own consultant report from KPMG clearly stated that EMS staffing is at critically low levels. Paramedics are an essential city service that citizens depend on daily.  Paramedics are the front line of our health care system. As our population increases and ages, Paramedics will play an even more important role in the health and safety of our communities and neighbours. Recent tragic events in the city have further demonstrated the need for more Paramedics. Extreme events such as the increase in gun violence in our city add great weight to the need for a further investment in our EMS service. We encourage the City of Toronto to continue their investment in public services by immediately making moves to hire more Toronto Paramedics.

The Toronto Paramedic Association represents the professional interests of over 400 Toronto Paramedics. The Toronto Paramedic Association is a chapter organization of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada.

SOURCE: Toronto Paramedic Association

Enquiries:
Geoff MacBride
President
Toronto Paramedic Association
www.torontoparamedic.com
[email protected]
647-228-9164