November 26, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

Subject: Ambulance Services 2000-2004 Capital Program

Purpose:

This report is in response to recommendations arising out of the Budget Advisory Committee meeting of November 17, 1999, respecting the Ambulance Services 2000-2004 Capital Program.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There is no direct impact on the preliminary 2000 Capital Program as submitted to the November 17, 1999, meeting of the Budget Advisory Committee. However, depending on further analysis of the recommendations arising out of the Budget Advisory Committee adjustments may be required in the 2001-2005 Capital Program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that: this report be received for information.

Background:

At its meeting of November 17, 1999, the Budget Advisory Committee requested the following information based on their initial review of the 2000-2004 Capital Works Program:

1) The Chief Financial Officer provide information as to how the City of Toronto is going to budget for maintenance and replacement defibrillation equipment;

2) The cost to outfit all paramedics with bullet proof vests and the pros and cons in that regard;

3) Emission testing of vehicles in consultation with Police Services and Fire Services; and

4) The AVTEC and CACC projects being conditional on 100% funding from the provincial government.

Comments:

Maintenance and Replacement of Monitor Defibrillators:

As of December 1, 1999, Toronto Ambulance had 120 monitor defibrillators. A total of 60 are advanced level monitor/diagnostic defibrillation devices that have an expected functional life span of 10 years. The remaining 60 monitor defibrillators are to be replaced over the next 3 years in accordance with Toronto Ambulance's scheduled conversion of primary care paramedics to the advanced paramedic level. These devices will be replaced with the advanced monitoring/diagnostic defibrillation platforms that will also have a functional life span of approximately 10 years.

The issue regarding the establishment of a reserve for the maintenance and replacement of the advanced level monitor/diagnostic defibrillation platforms will be discussed with the Chief Financial Officer in order to determine the practicality of establishing a reserve for the replacement of these devices, inclusive of the cost of contributing to the reserve fund and the relative impact that this would have on future operating and/or capital budgets and provincial funding. It is intended that once these discussions have taken place a report will be tabled before the Budget Advisory Committee.

Protective Vests:

Prior to the initial submission of the Capital Works Program protective vests for paramedics had been considered for inclusion, however, following discussion with the Ambulance Services' Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee, the decision was made to defer this item to allow for further research to be conducted. The preliminary cost for outfitting all paramedics was approximately $500,000.00 not including replacement costs due to attrition. Initial research indicated that the protective vests have a functional life span of approximately 5 years and, based on developments occurring in other jurisdictions the Joint Health & Safety Committee felt it appropriate to defer this item in order to gather additional information. In the interim, the Ambulance Division has reissued on-scene safety protocols for its paramedics and should the Health & Safety Committee recommend that paramedics receive this equipment appropriate adjustments will be incorporated in the 2001-2005 Capital Works Program.

Emission Testing:

The Ambulance Division reviewed the requirement for vehicle emission testing with the Toronto Police Services and the Toronto Fire Services and it is recommending that the testing be provided through existing maintenance agreements with third party vehicle maintenance contracts.

AVTEC Telecommunications System and Back-Up Ambulance Communications Centre:

Discussions are currently underway with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regarding 100% funding for these 2 projects. Both of these projects are directly related to the operation of the Toronto Central Ambulance Communications System, which is currently funded at 100% of all operating and capital costs by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Submissions have been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Health for consideration of these projects.

Contact:

Ronald L. Kelusky, General Manager

Phone: 397-9240

Fax: 392-2115

Ronald L. Kelusky

General Manager, Toronto Ambulance

Barry H. Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

RLK/sm