Deputy Chief of Operations of Peterborough Paramedics, Chris Barry, said that while all on duty units were in use Monday night, Ontario paramedics operate ‘seamlessly’.
“It’s considered seamless meaning if there happened to be a nearby ambulance that wasn’t technically in our jurisdiction they would still respond to a call here in Peterborough,” he said.
On any given night shift Peterborough Paramedics have 7 units on the roads, and 10 units during the day shift. Each unit is staffed by two paramedics.
Barry said Monday night was a ‘perfect storm’ of factors that contributed to the lack of available Peterborough ambulances.
The inclement weather lead to an influx of calls, but because Peterborough Regional Hospital is implementing new software wait times are longer.
“We were notified a couple days ago by the hospital to let us know while its being introduced there’s potentially going to be some delays, but last night was just the perfect storm.”
Barry also noted that Peterborough Paramedics always experience an influx of calls this time of year due to flu season, and many doctors offices are closed or have reduced hours for the holidays - meaning hospitals are some peoples only means of care.
“This is not an everyday occurrence, though we do see this every year around this time,” said Barry. “We’re doing everything we can as a service to put more ambulances on the road. The hope is that everyone will be better prepared next time.”
Peterborough Paramedics just hired 11 probationary paramedics, and also notes that 100 per cent of paramedics working in Peterborough are double vaccinated, meaning no paramedics have been laid off due to COVID.
