Hastings/Quinte Paramedic Services is in the process of laying the groundwork for a 10-year master plan.
On Wednesday, at a meeting of the Emergency Services Committee, Quinte West Councillor Karen Sharpe wanted assurances that paramedic facilities be part of the study, citing steady growth in the western part of Quinte West and in the northwest part of Prince Edward County.
Paramedic Services Chief Carl Bowker said the plan would be all-encompassing.
“We’re looking at our staffing levels, whether that be frontline, administratively or supervisory, projecting what we need over the next 10 years. We’re looking at the current location of our facilities, but also, is the model appropriate for the geography that we need to be serving?”
Meanwhile, Prince Edward County and Ameliasburgh Ward Councillor Janice Maynard agreed with Sharpe that population growth demands serious consideration.
“We’re really looking forward to this and a potential opportunity to collaborate with Quinte West on the siting of a new station.”
Tenders for the creation of the plan will be out soon and it’s hoped it will be ready for presentation before the end of the year.
LOOK BACK LOOK AHEAD
Hastings/Quinte Paramedic Services made important progress in the past couple of years, especially in staffing levels.
Chief Carl Bowker told Hastings/Quinte Emergence Services Committee Wednesday that since 2024 almost 70 new staff have been hired.
And since 2020 the service’s full-time paramedic staff grew from 84 to 150.
The hiring goal for 2026 is 30 full-time and part-time paramedics, a goal Bowker believes is doable.
A recruitment campaign will begin in the spring.
