Hastings-Quinte Paramedics Chief Carl Bowker gave his report to the Hastings/Quinte Emergency Services Committee on Thursday.
Among the items presented were an update on the new paramedics base in Stirling, a staffing update, and a service review from the Ministry of Health.
Construction of the new Stirling base is expected to wrap in mid-June with the station fully operational by July 1.
The grand opening ceremony is expected to take place on June 24.
For staffing, sixteen full-time float positions were filled on May 1. An additional 21 part-time paramedics and eight part-time superintendents were also brought into the force. A full-time superintendent and a logistics coordinator were also hired. External recruitment to fill remaining vacant positions is now underway.
The paramedics service received its results from an Ambulance Service Review conducted by the Ministry of Health – Emergency Health Regulatory & Accountability branch.
The service was successful in meeting certification requirements.
It was the first time in six years that the ambulance service received a review. Usually onsite inspections are every three years but the previous one was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bowker also noted that paramedics will be wearing epaulettes that recognize the fight for equality as the service celebrates Pride Month.
