Fall 2011

•  Along with all ambulance services throughout the Northeast Region, Algoma EMS implemented the newly updated 2011 Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards as issued by the Emergency Health Services Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on November 24, 2011.  In addition to changes to the existing medical directives that paramedics follow in order to administer defibrillation and numerous medications, these revised standards allow our paramedics to administer diphenhydramine by injection for allergic reactions that they determine to be non-life threatening.
   

•  Algoma EMS has added to its paramedics’ array of tools by installing non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices in its ambulance fleet.  Once the NIBP has been placed on the patient it allows paramedics to continuously and automatically monitor their patient’s blood pressure and pulse rate without their further involvement.  This frees up the paramedic’s hands to carry out other assessments and patient care while monitoring the patient’s vital signs all the while.  Paramedics have expressed their appreciation with having this new and very useful tool available to assist them in their patient care.
   

• In conjunction with a request from the employer-employee Joint Health and Safety Committee, Algoma EMS contracted Back in Motion physiotherapy in Sault Ste. Marie to develop and deliver a paramedic-specific back care and lifting program.  This two-hour training was attended by all of Algoma EMS’ paramedics and covered topics including anatomy and physiology, lifting techniques, day-to-day back care and exercises to help maintain the health of the paramedic’s back and spinal column.

 

• Chad Dorion, one of our service’s paramedics stationed in Elliot Lake, has been awarded the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal.
  
  The award, considered to be among the highest honour for paramedics in Canada, recognizes the meritorious service of long-serving members of the paramedic profession. It recognizes those individuals who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by the highest standards of good conduct and dedication to the profession.
  
  Chad was presented with the medal on Sept 29^th at a ceremony in Collingwood that coincided with the annual meeting of the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario.  Chad was presented with his medal by Major-General Richard Rohmer, Canada’s most decorated citizen, on behalf of the Governor General.

• In addition to Chad’s achievement, Henry Alamenciak, Chief of Paramedics, received the Governors General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service First Bar.   Henry was previously decorated with the Exemplary Service Medal and was awarded the medal’s first bar for having achieved over 30 years of exemplary service.

Spring 2011

• Algoma EMS has once again expanded the level of prehospital medical care provided to the residents and visitors of Algoma. 
  In April all paramedics received training in the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to treat moderate to severe respiratory distress.  Algoma EMS selected the CAREvent CPAP device designed and manufactured by O-Two Medical Inc. of Ontario as the CPAP device to be used by its paramedics.  A CPAP device maintains a higher than atmospheric pressure deep in the patient’s lungs which decreases the work of breathing for patients with respiratory distress associated with lung disease (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis) as well as congestive heart failure.

• Algoma EMS’ paramedics have been awarded the Algoma Public Health award for ‘Highest Community Agency Staff Flu Immunization Rate’ once again.  This was the third year in which the community agency category has had an award and the third year Algoma EMS has secured top spot.  Algoma Public Health chairs the Interagency Infection Control Committee, to which Algoma EMS is a committed member.  “I am extremely proud of our paramedics professionalism and dedication to their patients’ overall well-being as demonstrated by their commitment to getting vaccinated annually against influenza”, said Paul Guertin, Deputy Chief of Algoma EMS.  “It is clear to me that our paramedics are intent on being part of the solution and not part of the problem when it comes to the spread of influenza and other infectious diseases.”

Fall 2010

• Deputy Chief Paul Guertin was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal on September 30, 2010 during the annual meeting of the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario.
  At the same ceremony, previous medal recipient, Commander of Operations Ron Hamelin, was awarded the first bar for an additional 10 years of service.
  The awards were presented on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean by Major-General Richard Rohmer, Canada’s most decorated citizen.
  “On behalf of the Algoma District Services Administration Board, I wish to congratulate both Paul and Ron for the dedicated service that they provide to the people of the Algoma District and its visitors”, said Henry Alamenciak, Chief of Algoma EMS.

Spring 2010

• For the second consecutive year, Algoma EMS’ Paramedics have captured the Algoma Public Health award for ‘Highest Community Agency Staff Flu Immunization Rate’.  Algoma EMS is a proud community partner of the Algoma Public Health unit and is a member of the Interagency Infection Control Committee.  The award was presented at the committee’s quarterly meeting in February in Sault Ste. Marie.  On hand to accept the award on behalf of the service from Jon Bouma, Director of Infection Control and Outbreak Management for the APH, was Paul Guertin, Field Manager of Professional Standards & Development. 
  

• Algoma EMS introduces new technology for body temperature assessment
  Algoma EMS has now added the THERMOFlash LX-26 infrared thermometer to its paramedics’ complement of tools. This thermometer was designed using the latest in infrared technology and is used to assess the patient’s temperature without contact. It allows for the patient’s temperature to be assessed at a distance of about 5 cm from their forehead.

• Algoma EMS takes part in the inaugural Shari’s Mission ‘National EMS Stem Cell Challenge’
  On May 18th Algoma EMS held donor clinics at each of its eight ambulance bases throughout the Algoma District. We were proud to be able to help add over 150 people to the international registry! Although we weren’t the top service for adding donors, Algoma EMS did receive an ‘honourable mention’ from Shari’s Mission for its efforts.

• Algoma EMS is proud to announce that one of our Paramedics, Dennis Bastien just received the EMS Exemplary Service Medal at the annual AMEMSO awards banquet on September 24th. Dennis has dedicated 20 years of service to the citizens of Elliot Lake!
  ......More on the Exemplary Service Medal.

Spring 2009

• During the month of May all Paramedics were trained in the use of the electronic Ambulance Call Report (eACR) solution selected by Algoma EMS, Interdev Technologies Incorporated’s ‘iMedic’. Algoma EMS went live with iMedic on June 1, 2009 at 0001 hrs and the first eACR was completed a few hours later at 0413 hrs. The implementation of an eACR solution provides many benefits to Algoma EMS such as accurate, detailed and thorough data collection and the ability of our paramedics to complete their call documentation more efficiently and promptly. Using Interdev’s ‘iMedic Cube’ the service is able to analyze statistical, patient care and service response data in endless detail. iMedic also provides all members of the management team with access to call documentation within minutes of its completion. This immediate access to call information has exponentially improved the ability of management to monitor operational activity, service trends, individual Paramedic skill activity and the overall quality of service provided.

   

Winter 2008

• Automatic vehicle locating devices have been retrofitted to our fleet. This device will assist paramedics with locating addresses in rural and urban settings. This enhancement promotes paramedic safety as well as opens the door to future upgrades available for the gathering of information as well as our communications with allied agencies.

Fall 2007

• Paramedic Richard Roy (center) received the Governor General Exemplary Service Medal for outstanding service and contributions to Emergency Medical services. Dan Blanchette Field Manager (left) Henry Alamenciak, Program Director (right)

Winter 2006

• As part of Ontario’s Stroke Strategy Program and in order to give our patients an increased opportunity at receiving the best possible care for a stroke, Algoma EMS signed an agreement with the Sault Area Hospital which will see patients meeting specific criteria being transported directly to the District Stroke Centre in Sault Ste. Marie instead of their local hospital

• Algoma EMS is the first EMS provider in Ontario to implement the use of Quikclot® hemostatic agent.
  ...More on this is available here

• Staff in Hornepayne moved into their new base. The ADSAB purchased an existing high-rise bungalow home and built an attached two-bay garage on to it. The crews now have plenty of room for training and base duties

• Algoma EMS Paramedics all received internal training and preparation on Pandemic Influenza

• Introduced numerous equipment additions and improvements including The Immobilizer® head immobilization device; Safety-lok® sharps to reduce risk of needle-stick injury; a rescue sheet device

Fall 2005

• Training in Advanced Assessment and Critical Thinking for all PCPs was initiated. This training is expected to be completed by Spring 2006

Summer 2005

• Staffing levels of frontline personnel is increased to an all-time high of 66 Paramedics & EMAs  

• Acute Stroke Protocol training is revised and completed. This will better prepare Paramedics to recognize victims of stroke who may benefit from thrombolytic drug therapy. Once pending agreements are finalized with the stroke centres in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Paramedics may transport stroke patients directly to these centres bypassing their local hospital’s emergency department, if appropriate

Spring 2005

• Field thermometry is introduced for Algoma EMS Paramedics. Utilizing single-use clinical thermometers, Paramedics can now accurately assess a patient’s body temperature and incorporate the findings into their global assessment bolstering their understanding of the patient’s overall condition. The ability of the Paramedic to detect a fever in a patient with signs and symptoms of a communicable respiratory illness will also allow them to protect themselves, their patients and other healthcare workers by taking the appropriate patient care and personal protective measures

Fall 2004

• Second ambulance staffed in Thessalon Monday to Friday from 0800-1630 hrs in order to enhance emergency coverage and assist with interfacility transfers to centralized healthcare facilities in Sault Ste. Marie

• Algoma EMS website launched

Summer 2004

• Introduced electronic scheduling and payroll software to improve proficiency  

• First Response Team (FRT) establishment and operating agreements formalized  

• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s team conducted their three-year certification review of Algoma EMS. The results were extremely positive and Algoma EMS’ operating certificate was once again renewed by the Ministry

Spring 2004

• EMS storage depot built at EMS HQ in Little Rapids

• Algoma EMS awarded safe driving award by the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario

• EMS Headquarters moved to 69 Little Rapids Road following facility renovations

• Thessalon EMS base received major renovation

Fall 2003

• St. Joseph Island EMS base received major renovation

• Two Emergency Support Unit trailers purchased and located in Elliot Lake and Wawa

• Seven members of Algoma EMS receive Exemplary Service Medals from the Governor General of Canada’s office.
  ...More on this item.

Spring 2003

• Three First Response Units purchased and located in Elliot Lake, Wawa and at Headquarters

Spring 2002

• All bases linked in WAN

Fall 2001

• CUPE selected by employees as bargaining agent.

• First Response vehicle provided to Jocelyn First Response Team on St. Joseph Island

Spring 2001

• Second ambulance staffed in Elliot Lake Monday to Friday from 0800-1600 hrs in order to enhance emergency coverage and assist with interfacility transfers to centralized healthcare facilities in Sudbury

• Two ambulances purchased to enhance fleet as Divisional spares in Elliot Lake and Wawa

• Algoma EMS’ new colour and striping scheme selected

• Algoma EMS begins dealing with serious staffing shortages

• ADSAB works at creating a computer network among the eight newly established EMS bases. Due to technological restrictions, the Northern Division poses special difficulties

Winter 2001

• ADSAB renovates Blind River Hospital Ambulance Bays

• White River base renovations

• ADSAB assumes control as the delivery agent for Algoma EMS

Fall 2000

• Patient care equipment and 15 ambulances are transferred to the ADSAB from the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care

• Supervisory teams structure is decided upon and the positions filled

• ADSAB hires a majority of the existing staff who qualify under new regulations in Ambulance Act

• The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care conducts certification review and ADSAB prepares for direct delivery Jan 2001

Summer 2000

• ADSAB decides to proceed with direct delivery of EMS and applies to the Ministry Health and Long Term Care for certification as a delivery agent 

• Algoma EMS policy and procedure manual is developed

• Algoma EMS’ new crest design competition is held among existing ambulance services’ staff members

Spring 2000

• ADSAB hires Emergency Medical Services Manager

Winter 1999

• The Algoma Districts municipalities support the Algoma District Services Administration Board as the Emergency medical Services delivery agent

• ADSAB begins the process of applying to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for certification as an EMS delivery agent