It’s no secret: Emergency Medical Service workers face a number of risks every single day. Potential hazards such as motor vehicle incidents, exposure to infectious diseases, slips, trips and falls, workplace violence and aggression, and the potential negative effects of shift work heighten the risk of occupational illness/injury.
The impact of these injuries can be minimized when employers take a proactive approach to health and safety. Providing client-focused resources to address system priorities and high hazard activities is the key to eliminating workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses in Paramedic Services.
How Can We Help?
PSHSA offers consulting, training and resources to help address these issues and reduce injuries and illnesses in your workplace. Whether your organization has an established health and safety program, or you are just beginning your health and safety journey, our consultants have the knowledge, solutions and expertise to help you identify risks, control hazards and ensure that you have the necessary tools to meet legislative requirements.
Manager, Prevention, Engagement & Retention, Public Safety
905-872-0840
Section 21 Committee
Our Partners
Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs
Center for Leadership, Innovation and Research in Emergency Medical Services
Leeds 1000 Islands Emergency Services Training Centre
In partnership with industry stakeholders, PSHSA has developed an EMS Sector Specific Health & Safety Training Program to help Paramedics identify the hazards involved in providing pre-hospital care to the sick and injured throughout Ontario. The goal of the program is to provide the EMS worker with the knowledge and understanding of the hazards they face throughout their course of duties. These hazards are not focused to inside the workplace, but areas “outside the box” (outside the station) as well. Topics include: Traffic and Vehicle Safety, Ergonomic (MSD) hazards, Slips, Trips & Falls, Bio-hazards, Behavioural Patients, hazards related to Confined Spaces, Trenching, Electrical, and specialized patient access issues (land/water/heights). These programs assist health and safety committee members to affect positive change and identify areas for improvement in their workplaces.
PSHSA also offers a unique one-day Paramedic Hazard Awareness Program. This session is designed for all Paramedics based on the EMS Sector Specific Program to help participants understand the hazards they face in their daily activities as paramedics.
For a complete list of our training services and information products, please see our Training and Resource Catalog.
PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by witnessing or experiencing actual or threatened death, serious injury or violence. Ontario has taken steps to address the harmful impacts of exposure to traumatic events on first responders, including the requirement for employers to develop PTSD Prevention Plans.
Paramedic vehicle driving quickly
Sector Lead
Tim Metcalfe
Sector Lead, EMS
Tim brings over thirty years of experience in the Ambulance and Fire Services. During this time Tim spent many years training in the fire service and college fire programs. This led to a specialization in the last ten years in Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) for Toronto Fire Services. In addition to the Company Officer and Training Officer Programs at the Ontario Fire College, Tim also completed IPAC course at Centennial College, OH&S at Ryerson University, Hazardous Material Operations and the National Chemical Biological Radiologic Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) advanced level.
Tim recently achieved his CRSP accreditation and received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medial for his involvement in research into metabolic heat management for emergency services workers.
