Paramedics to be recognized during EMS Week

Cornwall and area paramedics will be celebrating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week from May 15 to 21.

PHOTO CREDIT - Bradley Nuttley/City of Cornwall

Cornwall - May. 11, 2011 - Cornwall and area paramedics will be celebrating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week from May 15 to 21.

EMS Week is a special time set aside to honour and recognize the work and dedication of paramedics.

Paramedics work day in and day out to save lives, promote recovery and prevent injuries from getting worse in an emergency.This week is recognized nationally and promotes Emergency Medical Services and paramedics as the frontline safety net of Canada's healthcare system.

Chief Myles Cassidy has been in the EMS field for over 20 years and is extremely proud of the paramedics in Cornwall and S, D and G.

"The highly trained paramedics who serve Cornwall and . . . S, D and G respond to disaster scenes, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents as well as other emergencies providing everyone with access to quality emergency care,” said Cassidy.

“Appropriate medical care in an out-of-hospital setting dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.”

Paramedics engage in countless hours of specialized training and continuing education to acquire and enhance their lifesaving skills.

In 2010, paramedics in Cornwall and S, D and G responded to over 12,000 emergency calls.

Much has changed in the past 10 years to meet the growing demands for emergency medical services.

The Public Access Defibrillator program has seen the installation of 106 defibrillators in public places throughout Cornwall and S, D and G for use by any trained citizen. A new EMS Headquarters has been built and opened last month.

In the future, demand and complexity will continue to grow, and plans are in place to ensure a continued high level of service to the community. These plans include the addition of Emergency Response Units and new paramedics.