STAFF REPORT
February 28, 2000
To: Community Services Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject:Basic Trauma Life Support International Incorporated Annual Conference - 2001
Purpose:
This report is submitted for information and approval for Toronto Ambulance to host the 2001 Basic Trauma Life Support
International Incorporated Annual Conference.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications associated with this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
- Toronto Ambulance be given the approval to provide support and host the 2001 BTLS conference; and
(2)that any profits, as a result of the conference that are shared with BTLS International, are directed towards Injury
Prevention and Awareness Programs in Toronto.
Background:
Basic Trauma Life Support International Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing trauma education. BTLS
began as a dream of an emergency physician from Alabama. In January 1985, the first meeting of BTLS International took
place providing the basis for the organization's growth. Now more than a decade later BTLS International has nearly 60
chapters throughout the world and has trained tens of thousands of individuals in trauma care using a tried and proven
method endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians. BTLS International Inc. is governed by a Board of
Directors and is organized into chapters based on geographic divisions, including the United States, Canadian provinces
and countries around the world. Toronto Ambulance began teaching basic trauma life support to its paramedics in 1986 as
part of the Trauma Triage program, which was implemented by Toronto Ambulance with the support of Sunnybrook Base
Hospital Program and the University of Toronto Committee on Trauma. In 1994, Toronto Ambulance was granted a
charter from BTLS for the program co-ordination and medical quality assurance for the Ontario chapter. Toronto EMS has
trained more than 3,000 providers and continues to offer these programs on a fee-for-service basis to health care providers
and first responder groups across the province.
Comments:
BTLS holds its annual business meeting and educational conference for delegates, members and those interested in the
prevention and treatment of trauma every year at a location offered by a host chapter approved by the International Board
of Directors. Toronto Ambulance has had representation at the conferences and business meetings on an annual basis since
1994, and over the last 3 years, has had a BTLS elected representative on the International Board of Directors. In
November 2000, the International Conference will be held in Denver, Colorado. Each year leaders in the area of trauma
care provide lectures and instruction to the 200-250 people who attend the conference from various locations around the
world.
Three locations were nominated to host the 2001 conference - England, Atlanta, Georgia and Toronto, Ontario. The
International Board of Directors unanimously supported the City of Toronto as the 2001 conference site. All costs for the
planning, co-ordination and organization of the conference will be assumed by BTLS International. Toronto Ambulance
will not be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of the conference. As the hosting chapter Toronto will send
representatives to the 2000 conference in Denver, Colorado, both to participate as delegates as well as to promote the 2001
conference in Toronto. Toronto Ambulance will also be required to have a staff member represented on the 2000 and 2001
planning committee, which meets several times throughout the year via teleconferencing. During the conference, BTLS has
requested that Toronto Ambulance look at methods of providing volunteers for the conference planning sessions for
introduction of guest speakers and room monitoring. Any profits made as a result of the conference are shared between
BTLS International and the Toronto EMS BTLS chapter. Any debt incurred as a result of the conference is the sole
responsibility of BTLS International.
Conclusion:
It is anticipated that 250 - 300 participants will attend the 2001 conference in Toronto. The majority of attendees will be
from the northeastern United States and Canada, with 15-20% of the attendees coming from other areas around the world.
Toronto Ambulance would recommend any profits from the conference be designated to support injury prevention within
the City of Toronto. The conference will be scheduled for the fall of 2001.
Contact:
Norm Lambert, Director, EMS Operational Support
Phone: 392-2161
Fax: 392-2002
Ronald L. Kelusky
General Manager, Toronto Ambulance Services
Barry H. Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
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