THUNDER BAY — Feeling burned out and perhaps somewhat underappreciated, local paramedics are welcoming the establishment of a provincial committee that will focus exclusively on their unique health and safety risks.
Unions representing paramedics had already participated on a subcommittee, but according to the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs, the full, standalone Section 21 committee will work under a new format that allows for a quicker response to their specific concerns. Moquin said paramedics tend to be "a very humble group," doing their jobs under challenging working conditions while putting aside "some of the bad things" they encounter daily."The number of violent encounters against paramedics has increased significantly over the last number of years, and we are seeing an impact on their mental health. I'm just glad that the government is recognizing that these things are happening, and there's going to be a task force ...