Ottawa Paramedic Association

HEAT WAVE LEADS TO INCREASED CALLS TO PARAMEDICS

It stands to reason that calls to 9-1-1 would go up during an extended heat event.

That is exactly the scenario that has played out over the last several days for Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services.

In fact, since the heat wave began, local paramedics have seen a 14 to 14.5 per cent increase in calls as compared to the same period last year.

That’s according to the Chief of the Region’s Paramedic Services, John Riches.

He told 570 NewsRadio within that increase, there has been a jump in particular calls.

“The elderly with breathing problems and symptoms and increased calls for the unhoused population for wellness checks”

He said they’re seeing more calls from concerned citizens who may have seen someone who might be suffering from the heat.

“For people who are concerned, look for signs of life. Is the person moving around? Are they talking? Are their eyes open? Things like that. And then also look for things like, are they in the shade? What are other things that you can see that tell you they might be safe.”

Riches pointed out that when you call 9-1-1, you will be asked very detailed questions that help determine the severity of the call. A new dispatch system helps prioritize calls so the most emergent are addressed first.

He said, if you think someone is in danger, don’t worry about tying up emergency resources, call 9-1-1.

“If people are concerned about a family member or a stranger, of course we support that people are calling 9-1-1, with the best of intentions. We want to make sure that people aren’t unnecessarily calling us, of course, but recognize it’s not a perfect system.”

When it comes to staffing, Riches said they stick to the regular staffing levels, regardless of a heat event or not. He said the way the schedule is laid out, they are best staffed during the hottest parts of the day anyway.

Riches points out that the best way to avoid having to call 9-1-1 is to simply take care of yourself.

“Make sure you stay hydrated. Make sure you stay in the shade if you can. Make sure you’re using a lot of sunscreen and wearing appropriate layers to protect your skin and yourself from this heat. And just taking care of yourself, making sure you’re eating well. All those things are very important.”

By: Matt Hutcheson
City News Everywhere

COUNTY OF RENFREW PARAMEDICS REUNITE WITH CARDIAC ARREST SURVIVOR

EGANVILLE, ON – There were tears of joy and hugs all around the Eganville Paramedic Base June 25 as County of Renfrew Paramedics reunited with a local resident whose life was saved following a cardiac event last month.

On May 8, Chris Hinsperger, who has owned the Bonnechere Caves for 33 years with his wife Val, called 9-1-1 (a call he doesn’t remember making) with chest pains while outside at the popular tourist attraction. While on the phone with the Renfrew Central Ambulance Communication Centre, Mr. Hinsperger passed out and went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics Joe Hamilton, Eric Martel, Matt Stanfield and Martin Hendrix, along with officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, responded to the emergency call and successfully achieved a return of spontaneous circulation. Paramedics identified that he was experiencing a ST-elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI, commonly known as a severe heart attack.

He was transported directly to the Ottawa Heart Institute, where he received multiple stents and has since made a positive recovery.

On Thursday morning, Mr. Hinsperger met with the paramedics who helped to save his life to thank them in person.

“It's nice to put faces to the experience I had, and show my appreciation, the fact that I get to keep on living my life, and see the faces that are attached to that,” Mr. Hinsperger said. “Yes, they helped me, but seeing the compassion these men have, and how they handle themselves, knowing that they're out there in the community every day, ready to do the same thing, and doing the same thing, for other people. And I just happen to be the recipient of their professionalism and their compassion and their vital service.”

He also presented each of the Paramedics with a Save Pin and Certificate.

“This reunion is a reminder of the incredible work our Paramedics perform every day across Renfrew County,” said Chief Michael Nolan, County of Renfrew Paramedic Service. “It also reinforces the importance of early recognition, rapid intervention, CPR and access to defibrillation.”

Mr. Hinsperger indicated that he hoped sharing his story would help raise awareness about the importance of CPR, public access defibrillators and the work performed by paramedics every day.

“I would like to encourage other people to put themselves in a safe situation so that they can be ready to bring aid to friends and family members, and in the case of our business, as a tourist attraction, to be able to provide a service to tourists, or potential friends,” he added.

The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service has administered the Public Access Defibrillator Program since 2014. Today, more than 460 public access defibrillators are registered and managed throughout Renfrew County, helping ensure that life-saving equipment is available in communities, workplaces, recreational facilities and public spaces.

“Having an AED readily available in public spaces can make a critical difference during a cardiac emergency,” said Steve Osipenko, Acting Commander responsible for the County of Renfrew’s Public Access Defibrillator Program. “By having these devices in our communities and ensuring they are maintained and accessible, we are helping improve the chances of survival when every minute counts.”

For more information please contact: [email protected] or 613-312-7414.

By: County of Renfrew