STAFF REPORT

To: Community Services Committee

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

Subject:1^st Downsview Toronto Ambulance Venturer Scouts

Purpose:

To inform City of Toronto Council of a joint initiative between Scouts Canada and Toronto Ambulance concerning the start up of a Vocational Venturer Scout Company with the Downsview area.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no direct financial implications associated with this report or program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

Toronto Ambulance, in partnership with Scouts Canada, has recently initiated a proposal to start up a Vocational Venturer Scout Company for male and female youth ages 14 to 17. The initial group will consist of three advisors (leaders) and up to 21 venturers. The venturer unit has been assigned the name 1^st Downsview Toronto Ambulance Venturer Scouts by Scouts Canada Greater Toronto Region. The catchment area for eligibility will be the Brownsea Scout Area bounded by Highway 400, Eglinton Avenue, Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue.

Community out-reach is an important and vital part of the Emergency Medical Services System. Not only does it provide Toronto Ambulance with an opportunity to educate the public on issues of safety and wellness, it also ensures that our citizens become more aware of what to do in the event of a medical emergency. The concept of sponsoring a Venturer unit was in keeping with the goals and objectives of Toronto Ambulance. Since Scouting is synonymous with public service, the youth will be encouraged and supported to consider a career as a paramedic and/or emergency medical dispatcher or other related medical fields. Through this program participants will be allowed to participate in many Divisional public service events, such as the annual clothing drive and the Toronto Children's Breakfast Club. The program will emphasize physical fitness, community involvement, outdoor activities and pre-hospital medicine.

All participants will receive certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced First Aid and other programs related to pre-hospital medicine and safety will be offered.

Volunteer support, Scouts Canada, and other donations will provide the funding for the unit. Toronto Ambulance will provide the location for the meetings and act as the vocational sponsor. It should be noted that this is a precedent setting move in making application to Scouts Canada National Council for a charter for the 1^st Downsview Toronto Ambulance Venturer Scouts. There is no other vocational Scout unit sponsored by the City of Toronto, however, there are other similar groups sponsored by Whitby Fire Services and York Regional Police.

The leadership of this program will be comprised of staff from Toronto Ambulance who have a strong background in scouting.

Conclusions:

Toronto Ambulance is in a unique position to help the youth of today through this co-operative venture with Scouts Canada. Structuring the unit as a vocational Scout Group offers the opportunity to guide the participants in making sound career decisions for their future as well as offering a potential career in EMS.

Contact:

Jerry Crawford

Geographic Data Systems Co-ordinator

Toronto Ambulance

Phone: 392-2075

    Ronald L. KeluskyBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner

Toronto AmbulanceWorks & Emergency Services

RLK/sm