Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS)
Reports of Invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS) in the community have increased. Paramedics are reminded to perform a Point of Care Risk Assessment (POCRA) with each patient contact. If a patient fails the POCRA, ensure required PPE (N95 respirator, eye protection, gloves and gown) is donned.
The Ministry of Health released a memorandum on May 23, 2023, outlining Ontario trends in iGAS, and signs and symptoms to be aware of. Log on to the Staff Blog to read the full memo.
Staff Communications Survey
Earlier this year, our Service conducted a survey to help us evaluate and modernize the way we communicate with you! Feedback was provided by staff members in all areas of the Service, and here’s what you had to say:
- Email is the number one way that you access information and updates from the Service, as well as speaking with your peers and supervisors.
- There is an overwhelming appetite for information to be available remotely (VPN access, email forwarding, or access from another device).
- You want to be able to access information on a city-issued smart phone/device and/or through a Toronto Paramedic Services app.
Thank you to everyone that took time to provide responses to the survey. We’ve listened and are working to implement changes in the near future!
Training Opportunity – Level III Paramedic
Applications are now being accepted for the Level III Paramedic training opportunity. All eligible Level I and Level II Paramedics may apply online using the following link: https://chkmkt.com/acpopportunity, or by scanning the QR code. All interested candidates must submit their intent to apply via the online survey no later than 23:59 on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Expression of Interest – Primary Care Paramedic Autonomous IV (PCP AIV) Program
An EOI opened this week for the PCP AIV Program which aims to offer Level I Paramedics the opportunity to gain the knowledge, decision making skills, and the psychomotor skills required to provide care at the autonomous IV level, as per the current Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS).
Applications can be submitted online no later than 23:59 on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, by scanning the QR code, or by using the following link: https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/PCPAIVProgram. Please email any questions regarding the program to PS-AIVprogram@toronto.ca.
Sharps Safety Awareness
Sharps safety is critical to protecting our staff and our patients. As a reminder, always be vigilant when exposing a sharp in a moving vehicle or uncontrolled environment. Please review the Standard Operating Procedure for Biohazard Waste and Sharps Safety (S.O.P. 03.03.08) available on all station computers, MobiCAD, Staff Blog and ePCR tablets.
Staff Communications Recap
The following memorandums were released this week:
All Staff
Operations
Pride Toronto Festival Weekend: June 23-25, 2023
Celebrate Pride all weekend long at the Pride Toronto Festival Weekend. This year’s event, themed “Here, There, Everywhere”, includes a full schedule of events, and multiple stages featuring hundreds of 2SLGBTQ+ artists. Check out the Pride Guide online for details.
This weekend’s festivities will be capped off on Sunday, June 25 with the annual Pride Parade! A reminder that all staff are invited to join TPS and the Toronto Paramedic Association to march in the Pride Parade. If you are interested in participating in the parade, please reach out to Paramedic Janique Hurley via email (janique.hurley@toronto.ca). Friends and family are welcome!!!
Take care, stay safe and stay positive.
Sincerely,
(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett