October 16, 1999
To: Community Services Committee
From: Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services
General Manager, Ambulance Services
Subject: Toronto Ambulance and Medical Coverage at the 1999 C.N.E.
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to advise City Council of the successful partnership between Toronto Ambulance and
Exhibition Place in providing on-site emergency medical services during this year's Canadian National Exhibition.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Additional medical services over and above the provision of on-site emergency response were provided on a cost recovery
basis.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for the information of City Council.
Council Reference/Background/History:
At its meeting on July 27, 28 and 29 City Council approved the report titled "Toronto Ambulance Medical Coverage for
the 1999 Canadian National Exhibition". The report advised that Toronto Ambulance would be operating and staffing the
CNE medical center with Advanced Level Paramedics. The addition of dedicated medical services augmented the
historical involvement of Toronto Ambulance in providing emergency medical response services on the CNE grounds.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justifications:
Each year, Toronto Ambulance provides on-site emergency medical coverage and response to the staff, visitors and events
of the Canadian National Exhibition. This year, Toronto Ambulance expanded its role to include the operation of the
on-site medical clinic (formerly the C.N.E. Hospital). Toronto Ambulance in conjunction with CNE staff established a
fully functional medical clinic in the Better Living Center. The medical clinic included an advanced level resuscitation
room, treatment rooms and a quiet area.
Utilization Summary:
During the 18 days of the CNE the medical clinic, operated by Toronto Ambulance and staffed with Level II and III
Paramedics, recorded the following activity:
| Total Patients Triaged |
534 |
| Total Patients Treated |
419 |
| Total Patients Requiring Transport to Hospital |
27 |
| Total Patients Referred to Walk-in Clinics, Pharmacies etc. |
151 |
While most of these calls involved relatively minor medical situations, the staff at the Emergency Centre also treated
several serious medical emergencies such as chest pain, asthmatic and other difficulty breathing emergencies, anaphylactic
shock and one electrocution.
Toronto Ambulance has always been an integral part of the C.N.E., and this new alliance improved the level of medical
care provided to visitors and staff. The Ambulance Division continued to provide on-site emergency response through the
use of paramedics on bicycles and golf carts and transport ambulances. St. John Ambulance Toronto Brigade augmented
these services with first aid foot patrols.
Conclusions:
Toronto Ambulance continues to meet its commitment to the community by providing quick and reliable access to high
quality medical care. Expanding our role at the Canadian National Exhibition was a natural one, which brought tremendous
benefits to visitors and the City alike.
Contact Name:
Ron Kelusky, General Manager
Phone: 397-9240
Fax: 392-2115
Ron Kelusky Barry Gutteridge
General Manager Commissioner
Toronto Ambulance Works and Emergency Services
