March 2, 1998

To: Emergency and Protective Services Committee

From: Ron Kelusky

Acting General Manager

Subject: Toronto Ambulance Assistance During Eastern Ontario Ice Storm

Purpose:

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statements:

However, we are currently discussing with the Province a mechanism by which we can be reimbursed for some or all of the charges associated with providing help.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The ice storm which occurred in Eastern Ontario and Quebec was of a magnitude never before seen in the communities affected. It caused tremendous damage to power lines and property, affecting and displacing tens of thousands of families in a manner which was well captured in the various media. Canadians all across the country also rallied to provide financial assistance, and to donate items of food and clothing which in some cases were desperately needed by Ontario and Quebec citizens.

Toronto Ambulance was contacted by the Emergency Health Services Branch of the Ministry of Health on January 10, and was asked if it could provide some of its disaster and support staff and equipment to aid in relief efforts. The Department mobilized the same day and had resources in the Eastern Ontario region that night.

Comments and/or Discussion and /or Justification:

In total, Toronto Ambulance dispatched eight staff, one Emergency Support Unit (ESU), one Emergency Power Unit (EPU) and one four wheel drive utility vehicle to assist communities in Eastern Ontario over the period January 9 to 20.

The ESU is a bus which has been converted so as to be able to house and/or transport up to ten stretcher patients and ten sitting patients in large, multi-patient situations. It was sent to Eastern Ontario in case any hospitals or nursing homes might require mass evacuation.

In the storm damaged areas of Eastern Ontario, our crews and the Support and Power Units engaged in a number of emergency and relief activities, ranging from powering a medical centre, in the town of Merrickville (which allowed doctors there to treat patients) to powering up a nursing home in the town of Curran (which was the residence for 200 senior citizens) to even powering up a gas station on Highway 138, the only station for 60 kilometres which was capable of dispensing fuel to the public at the time.

Along the way, crews also loaned portable generators and other items (e.g. lights, electrical cords, blankets) to other medical facilities and to families who were without power and heat. As well, they responded to emergency medical calls, and participated in the transfer of stable medical patient referrals. Their travels took them through a wide range of communities such as Kingston, Cornwall, Ottawa, Hawksberry, Rockland, Smith Falls, Lanark, Godfrey and Gananoque.

Conclusions:

The assistance provided by Toronto Ambulance to citizens and communities in Eastern Ontario in the aftermath of the winter ice storm was greatly appreciated, not only by those who were helped, but also by the Ministry of Health and other relief agencies. The Province expressed specific thanks to Toronto Ambulance.

The assistance was also part of relief efforts undertaken by other Departments in the City of Toronto.

The Toronto Ambulance crews who participated have been individually commended for their work, for they put in long hours and performed under the most challenging of conditions.

With the support of Council, these resources sit poised to serve all the residents of Toronto in times of need.

Contact Name:

Bruce Farr

Assistant Director, EMS Operations

Phone: 397-9241

Fax: 392-2002

Ron Kelusky Barry Gutteridge

Acting General Manager, Commissioner,

Toronto Ambulance Works and Emergency Services