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June 22, 1999

To:Community Services Committee

From:Commissioner, Works & Emergency Services

Subject:Toronto Ambulance Medical Coverage for the 1999 C.N.E.

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to advise Toronto Council of the expanded role of Toronto Ambulance in providing emergency medical coverage for this year's Canadian National Exhibition.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no immediate financial implications associated with this activity. Additional service levels are being provided on a cost-recovery basis.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for the information of Council.

Council Reference/Background/History:

None.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Every year, Toronto Ambulance provides emergency medical coverage and response to the staff and patrons of the Canadian National Exhibition. In 1998, it provided 2,584 staff hours to the C.N.E., equivalent to a divisional expenditure amount of $77,000. As in previous years, there was no direct cost to the C.N.E. for these services.

This year, the Division was asked by the C.N.E. to submit a proposal to manage the on-site medical centre (formerly the C.N.E. Hospital). Toronto Ambulance was successful in its bid, and as a result will be providing dedicated response services to the event. In addition to its regular grounds coverage and emergency response, Toronto Ambulance will also offer medical services out of the Medical Centre. Most of the visits to the centre have historically involved relatively minor medical situations (e.g., sunburn, cramps, dizziness, minor wounds). However, in the case of more significant injuries or illnesses, the on-site paramedic staff will be able to render immediate attention, and will be able to co-ordinate directly with ambulances where emergency transport is required.

Staffing of the C.N.E. Medical Centre will consist of Paramedic Level IIs and IIIs - these represent the most advanced and qualified of our paramedic complement. All services will be provided on cost-recovery basis - there will be no additional cost to Toronto Ambulance.

Toronto Ambulance has always been an integral part of the C.N.E., and this new alliance holds several benefits. The Division is already providing on-site mobile emergency medical care; extending it to the medical clinic will guarantee one seamless, enhanced level of coverage. This also coincides very well with the coverage it already provides to other C.N.E. related events (i.e., the Air Show, musical concerts).

It will also further promote the community-based initiatives that the Division has been pursuing over the last few years. Offering service which is not necessarily triggered by emergent situations, Toronto Ambulance can effectively realize efficiencies in the delivery of health care across the entire community. The placement of staff at the C.N.E. medical centre is but one example of where these kinds of approaches can be demonstrated.

Conclusions:

Toronto Ambulance continues to meet its commitment to the community by providing quick and reliable access to high quality medical care. Expansion of its role at the Canadian National Exhibition is a natural one, and will bring tremendous benefits to visitors and the City alike.

Contact Name:

Ron Kelusky, General Manager

Phone: 397-9240

Fax: 392-2115

R.L. KeluskyBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner

Toronto AmbulanceWorks & Emergency Services