Toronto Paramedic Association

REPORTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PARAMEDICS CONTINUE TO RISE: DATA

TIMMINS - Reports of violence against paramedics in the Cochrane District continue to rise, with physical assaults in the first five months of 2026 already surpassing all of last year’s total.

Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) data show that 28 violence-related incidents have been reported through the External Violence Incident Reporting (EVIR) system since structured reporting started.

Those incidents include nine physical assaults, 18 cases of verbal abuse, three reports of sexual harassment, and two complaints of intimidation. One paramedic injury was also reported.

The report shared at the May 21 CDSB meeting also identified a weapon-related safety concern in March and an incident in April where a paramedic needed medical assessment after being assaulted.

Last month, the board learned that two people were charged in separate incidents involving assaults on paramedics who were responding to emergency calls. Since then, one more person has been charged.

TimminsToday asked CDSB where the charges were laid, but did not receive a response before publication.

Paramedic service chief Marc Renaud said the numbers show both ongoing safety concerns and a change in workplace culture that now encourages staff to report incidents that might have been documented before.

“Overall, the report reinforces that violence toward paramedics is not acceptable, and CDPS (Cochrane District Paramedic Service) will continue to promote reporting for staff for their safety, for public awareness, and for accountability,” he told board members.

Since CDSB started formally tracking in September 2024, reports have continued to rise.

CDPS recorded two incidents from September to December 2024, then 10 incidents in all of 2025. By May 6 of this year, 16 incidents had already been reported.

Physical assaults have increased, from one reported in all of 2025 to eight in the first five months of 2026.

Renaud explained that paramedics have emergency alert systems in their radios that instantly notify dispatch and police if crews are in danger.

“Our portable radios do have panic buttons that immediately sound an alarm at our dispatch centre, and it stops all transmissions, and the police are notified that it's an urgent call for them,” he said.

The service has also put up warning posters inside ambulances to let people know that abusive behaviour toward paramedics could lead to charges. They are now looking into a wider public awareness campaign.

“We're also going to start working on a public awareness campaign,” Renaud said. “I don't think we did a great job of that when we started this program a few years back.”

According to the report, incidents have occurred in multiple settings, including on scene, during patient transport and inside hospitals.

The report also notes that partnerships with the Timmins Police Service and the OPP have grown stronger as concerns have increased.

By: Marissa Lentz-McGrath
TIMMINS TODAY

GREATER SUDBURY CELEBRATES PARAMEDIC SERVICES WEEK

It’s Paramedic Services Week and on May 19, Greater Sudbury recognized and celebrated the dedicated paramedics who serve the community.

Gino St. Jean, who is now retired, said he started in 1989 and has seen paramedicine evolve through the years.

“When I started, we had oxygen and a blanket,” St. Jean said.

“Then it progressed forward to a defibrillator (and) being able to give some medication. And then up to today, doing cardioversion, intubation, IVs and a plethora of medication and other things that we can do to help people stay at home rather than always going to the (emergency department).

While he said there were “ups and downs” in his years of service, one thing stayed the same.

“The best moments were making a difference and taking care of people,” St. Jean said.

Jorja Weicker, who is new to the profession, said he just wants to be working in the field helping people.

“Doing what I can to help everybody at what they would consider the worst points in their lives,” Weicker said.

“I consider it an honour and a privilege to be able to do that for them.”

ABOUT 35,000 CALLS IN SUDBURY A YEAR

The theme for this year’s week is ‘Better Care Starts Here.’

Aaron Archibald, the city’s chief of paramedic services, said they handle about 35,000 calls a year.

“We’ll have upwards of anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 patients rostered in our community paramedic program,” Archibald said.

“So we’re doing everything from offering clinics to shelters, integrated into housing units.”

With the 10 new hires sworn in at a May 19 ceremony, Greater Sudbury now has around 200 people working in paramedic services.

While staffing levels are stable right now, Archibald said recruitment and retention continue to be a challenge.

Especially knowing that the population is growing but also aging rapidly in the community.

“We work very closely with our community colleges and partners here to ensure that once we hire new staff, they’re onboarded and are committed,” he said.

“Hopefully they will make Sudbury their home.”

City council has also voted to fund an advanced care paramedic program. Archibald said 11 staff will graduate this fall through the partnership with College Boreal.

By: Lyndsay Aelick
CTV News

KAWARTHA LAKES CELEBRATES PARAMEDICS SERVICES WEEK

Paramedic Services Week is May 17 to 23. Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service is taking the opportunity to celebrate the dedicated paramedics who provide compassionate, high-quality care to our community every day.

Throughout the week, residents may see paramedics out in the community taking part in school visits, outreach activities, and recognition events celebrating local paramedic staff, including celebrity server night.

CELEBRITY SERVER NIGHT: MAY 19

One of the highlights of the week is the annual celebrity server night at Boston Pizza (435 Kent St W, Lindsay) on Tuesday, May 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Your favourite local emergency response “celebrities” will be taking over as servers for the evening, bringing the fun straight to your table. Expect good vibes, friendly competition, and maybe even a few surprise moments along the way.

Even better, 10 per cent of all proceeds from the evening will support BGC Kawarthas, so every bite helps make a difference in our community.

BETTER CARE STARTS HERE

This year’s Paramedic Services Week theme, “Better Care Starts Here,” recognizes the important role paramedics play in delivering compassionate, evidence-informed care while working closely with healthcare partners and the community to support better patient outcomes. Paramedics continue to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the quality of care for the communities they serve.

“During Paramedic Services Week, we recognize the care our team provides every day and the way they support patients and each other,” said Chief Sara Johnston in a press release. “Paramedicine has evolved far beyond transporting patients. Today, our paramedics are highly skilled clinicians delivering care in complex and often unpredictable environments. What stands out most is the compassion they bring to every call. Behind each interaction is a person and a story that matters. I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the care they provide to our community.”

Learn more about Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service and how to become a Paramedic at www.kawarthalakes.ca/paramedics

By: Lindsay Advocate
Kawartha Lales Weekly