Local paramedics say ambulance shortages across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties are a major issue that will have devastating consequences if not addressed soon.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1842 which represents local paramedics, has issued a video highlighting the serious problem.
The video features an emotional testimonial from local paramedic Ryen, who speaks of issues in Prince Edward County where, with a 42% surge in ambulance calls, there are multiple times each month when no ambulance is available.
She says, “To have zero ambulances available in this large of a county, you know, in any capacity it’s worrisome, but in this large of a county it’s devastating.”
In Belleville calls have increased 37% in the last five years.
The CUPE video reports while call times have increased, the number of available paramedics has not, running an average of 15 units during the day and eight at night for all of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
Ryen says, “Ultimately we bear the pressure of that. Because at some point someone arrives and you know, you want to be professional. You have to have, you want to say something or fill those folks in and have an apology as to why it took you so long to get there.”
The union reports that from May 2-4, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services operated with a combined total of six full ambulances and one half ambulance short due to staffing shortages.
On Saturday they were down-staffed three full ambulances.
A press release from the union says Hastings-Quinte is the second busiest paramedic service in southeastern Ontario and the second lowest paid.
Not being competitive with neighbouring services for wages, benefits or mental health supports means they can’t recruit or retain staff.
The video suggests people follow the CUPE 1842 page on Facebook for updates.
Ryen also asks people to write to their local MPP to ask the provincial government to invest in paramedics the same way it does for police and fire.
View the CUPE video here.
