Mental Health Week 2024: May 6-12

Next week is #MentalHealthWeek and it’s all about how #CompassionConnects. Please take a moment to say hi to our Psychological Health and Wellness staff, including members of our highly trained Peer Resource Team, as they visit TPS stations and buildings throughout the week to speak with staff. Learn more about the weeklong events and activities, including a Wellness Fair supported by our Community Paramedics on May 8 at Metro Hall (55 John Street) from 11:00 to 14:00. 

Change to Process – Long-Term Backfill Expression of Interest

Effective May 15, 2024, Scheduling will communicate and accept Long-Term Backfill Expression of Interest (LTB EOI) submissions for temporary placements through the Scheduling Portal. Read the full memo on the Staff Blog.

 Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

There is an EOI opportunity for Full-time to Part-time Paramedic. Applicants must indicate their interest via email with the subject line, “Part-Time Interest” to Superintendent John Stone. Applications must be received no later than 23:59 on May 10, 2024.

There is still time to apply for Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Mentor (Pilot Program). Qualified applicants can apply via Check Market survey. Applications must be received no later than 23:55 on May 8, 2024.

Job Opportunities

• A job call is open for Deputy Chief. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 13, 2024.    
• A job call remains open for Superintendent Scheduling. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 12, 2024.    

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released this week:

All Staff

• Staffing Announcement – Senior HR Consultant, Disability Management

Operations

•    Full-time to Part-time Paramedic Opportunity (revised closing date)
• Questions and Answers Full-time to Part-time
• College Student Injury and Illness – Updated Documentation Requirements
• Communications – Operations Ride Out Program
• Change to Process – Long-Term Backfill Expression of Interest

Red Dress Day: May 5

Sunday is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited peoples (MMIWGT2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. You can learn more by reading the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

This day and this topic can bring up difficult emotions and trauma. Please reach out to any of the Psychological Health and Wellness Information and Resources available, including the EAP, or the national 9-8-8 Crisis Helpline.

Happy Orthodox Easter!

Holy Friday is on May 3 and Orthodox Easter is on Sunday, May 5. Happy Easter to those celebrating!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!
Jamie Burnett

Reminder: TPS Staff Blog is Back!

A reminder that the Staff Blog is back online! Remember to bookmark this valuable site where staff can access a wide variety of resources, including updated clinical advisories, memorandums, SOPs, and event photos.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunity

An EOI for Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Mentor (Pilot Program) is now open. Qualified applicants can apply via Check Market survey. Applications must be received no later than 23:55 on May 8, 2024.

Job Opportunities

A job call is open for Accounting Assistant 3. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 3, 2024.    

 A job call is also open for Superintendent Scheduling. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 12, 2024.     

Staff Communications Recap      

The following communication was released this week:

Operations

• Station BID #4 2024 First Results 

National Day of Mourning

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, to remember workers who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. The Toronto sign will be dimmed, and flags at City Hall, Metro Hall and civic centres will be flown at half-mast. Please take a moment of silence at 11:00 on Sunday in memory of those who have lost their lives.

TPS reaffirms our commitment to protecting the health and safety of all our staff members through continued education, training, and support.

Canadian Blood Services

Did you know Toronto Paramedic Services’ Partners for Life team members have made 33 blood donations this year? If you have not already, please consider joining our team and donating to help ensure patients receive blood, stem cells, and plasma when they are needed the most. Click here to book your appointment today.

GreenShield Canada Health Services Update

The GreenShield Canada strike has ended and regular operations have resumed, including their contact centre service. As call volumes may be higher at this time, please consider other tools to check your eligibility and coverage, including a 24/7 web and mobile service and a self-service interactive Voice Response phone system (1-844-997-9888).

May Celebrations

Jewish Heritage Month begins on May 1. To celebrate, the Jewish Staff Network is hosting events throughout the month, including a kick-off on May 1 at Metro Hall.

May also marks Armenian, Asian, South Asian, and Polish heritage months, celebrating the contributions and achievements of many diverse cultures in the city of Toronto.

 Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Volunteers Wanted for Paramedic Services Week!

All Toronto Paramedic Services employees are invited to participate in a Social Media Campaign Expression of Interest for Paramedic Services Week 2024. Those interested can send an email to Commander Jay Gagne with the subject line “2024 PSW Social Media Campaign EOI”.

The application deadline is April 24, 2024.

Job Opportunities

There is still time to apply for Supervisor Facilities Management. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 23, 2024.    

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released this week:

All Staff

• Staffing Announcement – Commander, Communications Systems Engineering (Clinical Data Systems)
• Staffing Announcement – Commander, Communications

Operations

• Sunnybrook Base Hospital: Continuous Professional Development Update #1 – Spring 2024
• New Code for Ambulance Bay Doors for Trillium Health Partners Mississauga Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital Crane Operation at Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) – April 20, 2024

New Date: Corporate 20-Minute Makeover

Thank you to all who have expressed interest in the Corporate 20-Minute Makeover in support of Earth Day. To align with Toronto Fire Services, we have postponed our clean up efforts at Headquarters until Monday, April 22, 2024, at 11:00.

If you’re interested in pitching in, please meet up with your TPS and TFS colleagues in the HQ Atrium at 10:55 on Monday. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Superintendent Dineen Robinson.

Happy Ridván

A 12-day festival and one of the most holy in the Bahá’í faith, Ridván begins this evening and runs until May 1. Happy Ridván to all our staff celebrating!

Passover Begins April 22

Wishing peace and blessings to all those celebrating Passover beginning at sundown on April 22. Chag Pesach Same’ach.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

TPS Honoured at Toronto Police Community Awards

On Sunday, April 7, Chief Chawla and members of the leadership team attended the 2024 Spring Community Awards at Toronto Police Headquarters. During this event, District 3 Paramedics Victoria Miller and Duncan Rowat, and Superintendent Justin Migchels, were recognized for their heroic actions on a call in August 2023. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for your dedication and professionalism! 

Toronto Marlies “Hero of the Game”: Nicole Burns

On April 7, Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Nicole Burns was recognized as the Toronto Marlies “Hero of the Game.” Nicole embodies the spirit of public service by remaining cognisant of the needs of her peers, Paramedic crews, and patients. Congratulations Nicole and thanks to the Toronto Marlies for recognizing the dedication of Paramedic Services Staff!

Limited Parking at Headquarters: April 16-17, 2024

Parking will be unavailable in the Church parking lot on Tuesday, April 16, and Wednesday, April 17. As an alternative, The Brick has generously offered use of a limited number of parking spaces. Read the full memo on the Staff Blog for parking restrictions.

TPS Awards Program Relaunch

Nominations are now open for the following awards, recognizing work in 2023:

• Support Staff of the Year
• John Dean Chiefs’ Award
• Paramedic Services Deputy Chiefs’ Health & Safety Award
• Pioneer of the Year (selected by the Pioneer Association)

The deadline to submit nominations is 12:00 on April 24, 2024. The full memo can be accessed on the Staff Blog.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunity

An EOI for 2024 Paramedic Services Week: Social Media Campaign is now open. All requests to participate must be sent via email to Jay.Gagne@toronto.ca with “2024 PSW Social Media Campaign EOI” in the subject line. Applications must be received no later than 23:59:59 on April 24, 2024.

 Job Opportunities

There is still time to apply for Call Taker Paramedic Services. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 17, 2024.  

 A job call is currently open for Supervisor Facilities Management. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 23, 2024.    

 Staff Communications Recap      

The following communications were released this week:

All Staff

• 2024 Communications Centre Award Recipients
• Telecommunicators Week 2024 – April 14-20
• United Way 2023 Employee Campaign Wrap-Up and Thanks
• Toronto Emergency Services HQ Limited Parking Notice April 16-17, 2024
• Staffing Announcement – Support Assistant B, Professional Standards Unit
• Toronto Paramedic Services Awards Program Relaunch

 Vaisakhi: April 13

Happy Vaisakhi to those celebrating the Solar New Year or celebration of the spring harvest!

Earth Day: April 22

To mark Earth Day, Toronto’s annual spring cleanup events take place from April 19 to 22, 2024. Please consider celebrating Earth Day by spending 20 minutes cleaning up your neighbourhood or work location. Staff at Headquarters will be heading outside at 14:00 on Friday, April 19 to pitch in for the Corporate 20-minute Makeover! If you are interested in participating, please email Superintendent Dineen Robinson. For more information on this initiative, please log on to the city’s webpage.

 Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

TPS Visits Centennial College

Last week, our Special Operations and Education Units participated in Centennial College’s Paramedic Student Symposium. TPS showcased our Special Operations teams, including CBRNE, Tactical, and Public Safety units.

In the afternoon, students seized the opportunity to discuss career pathways with TPS’s Education and Development Unit. Many thanks to our staff who attended to encourage new Paramedics to join TPS and discuss the many opportunities available within our Service!

Job Opportunity

A job call is now open for Call Taker Paramedic Services. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 17, 2024.   

Training Opportunity

There is still time to apply for the Special Operations Bike Paramedic Program expression of interest. Submit your application via the TPS Bidding System on the Scheduling Portal, no later than 23:59 on April 8, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

All Staff

• Solar Eclipse Safety Messaging + Safety Alert 

April is Be A Donor Month! #DYK? Only 35% of Ontarians are registered organ donors. This April, make sure you’re registered by visiting http://BeADonor.ca. Don’t forget to wear your Green Shirt on April 7 and encourage others to become organ donors. #LoganBouletEffect

Eid al-Fitr

Extending our warmest wishes to all staff celebrating Eid al-Fitr! Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to begin the evening of Tuesday, April 9 until dusk on Wednesday, April 10 depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Eid Mubarak!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

April is Be a Donor Month!

#DYK about 1400 people in Ontario are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant? This April, take two minutes to register by visiting BeADonor.ca, participate in Green Shirt Day (April 7, 2024), and encourage others to become organ donors.

Indigenous Wellness Strategy & Pulse Survey

Employee Health & Wellness and Ambe Maamowisdaa Employee Circle are developing an Indigenous Wellness Strategy for City of Toronto employees. To help inform this strategy, all Indigenous employees are invited to complete a wellness pulse survey on how the City can best support their overall health and wellness needs. The survey is completely voluntary, anonymous and responses will be kept confidential. The survey closes April 25, 2024.

 Job Opportunities

• Project Coordinator. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes March 29, 2024.  
• Senior Business & Systems Analyst. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 1, 2024.
• Superintendent PS Planning. Interested applicants can view the posting and apply using this link. Posting closes April 2, 2024.

 Training Opportunities

• Community Paramedic expression of interest. Applications must be submitted via CheckMarket, no later than 23:59 on April 1, 2024.
• Special Operations Bike Paramedic Program expression of interest. Submit your application via the TPS Bidding System on the Scheduling Portal, no later than 23:59 on April 8, 2024.

 Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

All Staff

• Staffing Announcements – Materials & Equipment Services
• Staffing Announcement – Superintendent Operations

International Transgender Day of Visibility – March 31

On this day and beyond, we celebrate transgender people and continue to raise awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.

Happy Easter! 

The Easter weekend begins tomorrow (Good Friday) and continues through Easter Monday on April 1. Happy Easter to all those celebrating – we wish you a joyous and peaceful weekend!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

2024 Polar Plunge – This Sunday!

Bring your family and friends to watch TPS participants in the 2024 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario! Join the fun on Sunday, March 24 at the Toronto Zoo (Tundra Trek, Cariboo Café), starting at 11:00. Help Michael Chan Ah Song and myself raise some money for this worthy cause by donating to our fundraising pages. We’re both proud to be #FreezinForAReason!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Last Sunday, TPS staff, including members of our Senior team and Ceremonial Guard, marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Staff gave back to the community by collecting newly purchased socks to be donated to Socks4Souls Canada. Chief Chawla was honoured to take part in the march and expressed his gratitude to parade participants and spectators for contributing to a fun afternoon of connection and camaraderie. 

Paramedic Individual Issue Smartphones

We are pleased to announce Apple iPhone 12 smartphones will be issued to Paramedics in the coming months. Read the memo on Moodle and stay tuned for further details!

Toxic Drug Supply in Toronto

In recent weeks, Toronto’s Drug Checking Service has identified new and dangerous substances in Toronto’s unregulated drug supply. Paramedics are reminded to maintain a high index of suspicion when managing a suspected overdose. Read the full memo on Moodle.

Half Mask Respirator Trial

Equipment Services is pleased to offer an Expression of Interest opportunity for Paramedics to participate in evaluating a half-mask respirator. The full memo is available on Moodle, and interested applicants can apply, before the closing date of April 4, 2024, via the TPS Bidding System.

Job Opportunities

• Project Coordinator. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes March 29, 2024.  
• Senior Business & Systems Analyst. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 1, 2024.
• Superintendent PS Planning. Interested applicants can view the posting and apply using this link. Posting closes April 2, 2024.

 Training Opportunities

• Community Paramedic expression of interest. Applications must be submitted via CheckMarket, no later than 23:59 on April 1, 2024.
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) training opportunity. Applications must be submitted via CheckMarket, no later than 23:55 on March 24, 2024.
• Special Operations Bike Paramedic Program expression of interest. Submit your application via the TPS Bidding System on the Scheduling Portal, no later than 23:59 on April 8, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

Operations

• Toxic Drug Supply in Ontario
• Michael Garron Hospital – Paediatric Patients
• Paramedic Individual Issue Smartphones 

Happy Purim!

Wishing a joyous Purim to our staff celebrating, beginning at sundown on March 23!

Happy Holi!

Happy Holi to all those celebrating the festival of colours!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett 

Reminder: Implementation of Six Sector Dispatch Model

On March 20, 2024, Toronto Paramedic Services will be implementing a six sector dispatch model. This model is designed to better balance unit distribution among districts while improving communication between Paramedics and sector EMDs. The full memo is available on Moodle.

 2024 Polar Plunge

Toronto Paramedic Services joins the 2024 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario! Come out and enjoy the fun on Sunday, March 24 at the Toronto Zoo (Tundra Trek, Cariboo Café), starting at 11:00.

Help Michael Chan Ah Song, Manager Financial Planning & Accounting, and myself raise some money for this worthy cause by donating to our fundraising pages. We’re both proud to be #FreezinForAReason and hope to see you there!

EMD Training Opportunity

A training opportunity for Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) remains open.  Applications must be submitted via CheckMarket, no later than 23:55 on March 24, 2024.

Job Opportunities

A job call is now open for Senior Business & Systems Analyst. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 1, 2024.

Don’t forget there is still time to apply for Commander Professional Standards. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes at 23:59 on March 20, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

All Staff

• Staffing Announcement – Staff Psychologist 

Operations

• Zoll Cardiac Monitor Battery Indicator Update
• Fit2Sit – Increased Heart Rate Parameters

Communications

• Updated Call Response Changes Stage 3 – Referrals to Toronto Fire Services

Happy Nowruz

Nowruz Mobarak and a happy spring to those celebrating the beginning of a new year on March 19!

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed on March 21 each year, it marks the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

We must continue to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and hate in our daily lives. Learn about the City’s Toronto For All campaign, and how you can take action.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

: Workforce Survey

Have you filled out the Toronto Public Service Count Yourself In: Workforce Survey? This confidential survey helps the City better understand how its workforce reflects the diverse communities we serve. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is accessible from any City computer. Even if you have completed the survey in the past, we ask you to confirm the information previously entered. Visit the CYI Q&A on the intranet for more info.

Revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Several SOPs have been updated and come into effect on March 18, 2024. The updated SOP document (titled TPS SOP – OPS – March 18, 2024) contains all Operations SOPs that have been released since April 2023, and several revisions that are effective March 18, 2024. The full memo and SOPs can be found on station computers and Moodle.

CACC Deployment to Back-up Ambulance Communications Centre: March 13-14, 2024

Deployment to the back-up communications centre will occur on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 06:30 with a planned return on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 18:30. Communication procedures will continue as per usual practice. Read the full memo on Moodle.

Training Opportunity:

There is a training opportunity for Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). Applications are accepted via this website only. Deadline to apply is 23:55 on March 24, 2024.

There is still time to apply for Commander Professional Standards. Interested applicants may view the posting and apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes at 23:59 on March 20, 2024.

2024 Interdisciplinary Trauma Conference

Last Friday, our Special Operations Unit attended the Trauma Conference at the BMO Institute for Learning in Scarborough. Members from the CBRNE and ETF teams were on hand to discuss all things Spec Ops. Our Emergency Support Bus was also on site as Paramedics provided tours to conference attendees. It was a great day of collaboration, interdisciplinary cooperation, and information-sharing. Many thanks to our Special Operations Team for contributing to a memorable conference!

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

All Staff

• Daylight Saving Time Begins – “Spring Forward” – March 10, 2024

Operations

• Revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Effective March 18, 2024
• CACC Deployment to Back-up Ambulance Communications Centre

Communications

• CACC Deployment to Back-up Ambulance Communications Centre 

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time Begins

Clocks spring forward one (1) hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 02:00. This means reduced morning visibility – and a lost hour of sleep. Check out the full memo on Moodle which details what happens if you are scheduled to work during the time change.

March Break: March 11-15

Next week is March Break and there is a variety of free and low-cost programming available across the city including swimming, skating, and drop-in programs at community centres, libraries and history museums.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Happy Ramadan to those celebrating, beginning at sundown this Sunday!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Black Mental Health Week 2024

Next week, Mayor Olivia Chow will proclaim March 4-10, 2024, as Black Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is “Growth and Reflection: The Year of Sankofa.” The week brings awareness to the harmful effects of systemic anti-Black racism on the mental health and wellness of Black people and communities, and serves as a call to action for continued work towards dismantling and eliminating it. Learn more: https://blackmentalhealthweek.ca/

TFS BVM Filter – Aquesure Filter Humidifier with Red Sampling Port

TFS recently introduced a different style of Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) filter. If you encounter this filter in the field, as identified by it’s distinctive red sampling port cap, please ensure the cap is in place and secured. Read the full memo on Moodle.  

Job Opportunities

A job call is now open for Commander Professional Standards. Interested applicants may view the posting and apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes at 23:59 on March 20, 2024.

There is also still time to apply for the following training opportunity:

• Primary Care Paramedic Autonomous IV (PCP AIV) Program expression of interest. Posting closes at 23:59 on March 3, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap      

The following communications were released in the last week and can be accessed by enrolling in the TPS Staff Blog – Education Portal Edition course on Moodle.

All Staff

• Job Posting – Commander Professional Standards

Operations

• Patient Distribution System – Bypass Agreements and Specialty Services
• Implementation of Six Sector Dispatch Model – March 20
• Toronto Fire Services BVM Filter – Aquesure Filter Humidifier with Red Sampling Port

Communications

• Patient Distribution System – Bypass Agreements and Specialty Services
• Implementation of Six Sector Dispatch Model – March 20

Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade: Sunday March 17, 2024

Join members of the senior team, the honour guard, and fellow Paramedic Services staff as we march in the 2024 Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 17, 2024!

Leading up to parade day, TPS staff will have the opportunity to support Socks 4 Souls Canada. Collection boxes for new socks are now available in all district offices, plus 40 Station. (Headquarters will be coming soon!) To register, or for more information, contact Rachel Janer (D1), Chris McPhee (D3), or Brian Annett (D4) via email: medicsmarchgreen@gmail.com. More information can be found on Moodle.

2024 Polar Plunge

Toronto Paramedic Services joins the 2024 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario! Come out and enjoy the fun on Sunday, March 24 at the Toronto Zoo (Tundra Trek, Cariboo Café), starting at 11:00.

Help Michael Chan-Ah-Song, Manager Financial Planning & Accounting, and myself raise some money for this worthy organization by donating to our fundraising pages. We’re both proud to be #FreezinForAReason and hope to see you there!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett