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June 3, 1999

To:Community Services Committee

From:Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

Subject:Hatzoloh

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to inform Toronto Council of the establishment of a volunteer organization providing emergency response and other community-related services to the Orthodox Jewish community. The Hatzoloh organization is comprised of volunteers and provides services in the area bounded by Sheppard Ave. to the north, Dufferin St. to the west, Avenue Rd. to the east and Eglinton Ave. to the south.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There is no direct funding impact associated with this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the following report be received for information by City Council.

Background:

The Hatzoloh organization was established in the early 1960s in New York City. It was created to respond to the unique medical and social needs of the Orthodox Jewish community. Its evolution over the past 30 years has seen the development of a volunteer community-based emergency medical service dedicated to providing full EMS and ambulance service within New York City and surrounding areas. In addition, the Hatzoloh has expanded to other major cities throughout North America and other countries throughout the globe.

In the spring of 1998, Toronto Ambulance was approached by the Executive Director of the Toronto chapter of Hatzoloh expressing an interest in establishing a relationship with the City of Toronto's Emergency Medical Services. Representatives of Hatzoloh had described the unique cultural sensitivities associated with the medical response to the Orthodox Jewish community, and felt that their volunteers could provide assistance to Toronto Paramedics during a medical emergency.

The volunteers with Hatzoloh have been trained in first response emergency procedures (EMT-B) and have established linkages with various Orthodox Jewish community services within the City of Toronto. While legislation prohibits the establishment of a full fledged ambulance service and the ability for Hatzoloh to equip their vehicles with emergency warning systems the organization has established a network of volunteers throughout the community that are available to respond when notified of an emergency situation. Through newsletters and community programming, subscribers within the Jewish community are able to contact Hatzoloh in the event of an emergency. Hatzoloh volunteers respond regardless of the time of day and are there to provide a variety of services to assist paramedics on scene. These services include interpreter services, access to other Jewish community agencies, medical assistance for the paramedics, and more importantly, the ability to assist paramedics in situations where their religious belief complicates the delivery of accepted medical practice.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Toronto Ambulance views the Hatzoloh organization as an important link to a special cultural interest within our community. Strict religious and cultural beliefs can at times pose difficulties for a paramedic who are trained to provide medical intervention in a generally accepted manner. Language barriers, combined with strict religious beliefs during certain times can impede the immediate notification and access of emergency medical services when required. Even with the highly publicized availability of 9-1-1, Hatzoloh had expressed concern that some members of the Orthodox Jewish community would not access the emergency number in the event of a medical emergency. In response to this need, and to ensure that minimal delays occurred in the event of a medical emergency, linkages have been established with Hatzoloh's call-receiving centre to ensure that Toronto Ambulance is notified if one of their constituents calls the Hatzoloh number as opposed to 9-1-1.

The Hatzoloh organization has committed to working with Toronto Ambulance to ensure the appropriate co-ordination of volunteers when responding with Toronto Ambulance. On-scene protocols have been established and we are working with Hatzoloh to optimize the use of this community-based resource. There is an interest to extend CPR training programs into the consolidated Jewish schools, promoting public access defibrillation within synagogues and by having Hatzoloh provide on-scene first aid services to various community events occurring within the Jewish community.

In a multi-cultural city like Toronto there is a need to establish linkages with various cultural and religious groups to derive a better understanding of the unique needs of the community especially during medical emergencies. Toronto Ambulance is committed to working with Hatzoloh in developing appropriate protocols so as to ensure the safety of the volunteer responders, compliance with legislation such as the Highway Traffic Act and the promotion of appropriate first response services through discussions with the Medical Director of Toronto Ambulance and the Medical Director of Hatzoloh.

Over the past year there have been several calls where both Hatzoloh and Toronto Ambulance have responded together and this has resulted in an improved level of response and delivery of medical care. As with any program there have been challenges, however, the mutual commitment of both Toronto Ambulance and Hatzoloh to establish joint operating protocols will minimize the challenges and result in an improved level of care to the Jewish community.

Summary:

It is the opinion of Toronto Ambulance that the relationship with the Hatzoloh organization is in keeping with the Ambulance Division's community outreach program and establishes an important link with a very important part of our community.

Contact Name:

Ronald L. Kelusky, General Manager

Phone: 397-9240

Fax: 392-2115

Ronald L. KeluskyBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner

Toronto AmbulanceWorks and Emergency Services