Category Archives: All Staff

Staff Update #25 – Week in Review

Pride Toronto Festival Weekend: June 28-30

The Toronto Pride Festival Weekend is just around the corner! Check out this year’s full schedule of events and the 2024 Festival Map, and don’t forget to stop by TPS’ booth at the Street Fair.

On Sunday, June 30, all staff are invited to join the Senior Leadership team to march in the parade alongside colleagues, friends, and family! If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Paramedic Janique Hurley via email (janique.hurley@toronto.ca) for more details.

National Indigenous Peoples Day & Sunrise Ceremony

This morning, Deputy Chiefs Jordison and Wionzek marked National Indigenous Peoples Day at the City’s annual Sunrise Ceremony. The ceremony took place around a Sacred Fire and consisted of many elements that hold cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples, including strawberries, water, and the use of sage for cleansing. It was a wonderful morning of learning, giving thanks, and reflection.

 

 

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Stretcher Safety Awareness

In an ongoing effort to mitigate potential injuries, please keep in mind the following tips when operating a stretcher:

  • Maintain spatial awareness in smaller areas and use caution on uneven roadways, curbs, ramps, pavement, and in poorly lit environments.
  • Do not lower the stretcher when moving and always be aware of pinch points.
  • A minimum of two Paramedics should be used when operating the stretcher and focus on consistent communication and coordination for any movements or lifts.
  • Always report stretcher malfunctions to your Superintendent promptly.

Job Opportunities

An external posting is now live for full-time Paramedic Level 1. If you know someone who would excel in a dynamic and fast-paced service, please encourage them to visit the TPS Paramedic Recruitment Page for information on how to apply. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the recruitment process can also be found on TPS’ LinkedIn page. Posting closes July 2, 2024.

There is still time to apply for the Systems Integrator 2 job posting. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactorsPosting closes June 25, 2024.

Signature Events Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

The following EOIs were released last week:

Refer to the companion document for instructions on how to submit your interest for this event. Applications must be received no later than 23:59:59 on July 7, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week:

All Staff

Communications

Operations

Post Traumatic Stress Awareness Day: June 27

Not all wounds are visible. Nearly 25% of first responders show signs of moderate to severe PTSD symptoms. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Staff can request confidential and professional psychological services by contacting the clinicians in the Psychological Health & Wellness (PHW) Unit:

Helpful resources can be accessed by scanning the QR code above or visiting the Psychological Health & Wellness Program pages on the Staff Blog.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Indigenous Peoples Month and Pride Month

It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching the midpoint of 2024, but I want to take a moment to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for your hard work through the first six months of this year. We are still feeling pressures in our healthcare system, but you continue to provide our community with outstanding care every day.

June is a time for many celebrations, notably Indigenous Peoples Month and Pride Month. Tomorrow is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which the City will mark with a Sunrise Ceremony beginning at 5:30 a.m. at Nathan Phillips Square. The annual ceremony welcomes the longest day of the year and gives thanks for all of creation and Mino Baamodziwin (The Good Life). After the ceremony, you’re invited to stay for a feast and celebration by the Toronto Sign, which will be lit in the four colours of the Medicine Wheel. More information is available on the intranet.

I also encourage you to continue to celebrate Pride Month at the Pride Toronto Festival Weekend taking place from June 28-30. This year’s festival includes a full schedule of events and the StreetFair. Check out the 2024 Festival Map online, and don’t forget to stop by Toronto Paramedic Services’ booth!

A highlight of the weekend’s festivities is the Pride Parade taking place on Sunday, June 30. All staff are invited to join the Senior Leadership team and me as we march in the parade alongside colleagues, friends, and family! We had an incredible time in 2023, and we’re very excited to march again this year. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Paramedic Janique Hurley via email (janique.hurley@toronto.ca) for more details.


A reminder that you can purchase Pride pins and epaulettes to be worn throughout June. Pins are $5 and a set of epaulettes are $20. For more information or to purchase, click here: https://www.torontoparamedic.com/merchandise/

 

Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other.

Sincerely,
Chief Bikram Chawla

Staff Update #24 – Week in Review

Passing of Paramedic John Bird

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Level 2 Paramedic John Bird. John’s family will host a celebration of life on June 22 from 13:00-16:00 at Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall in Etobicoke. A book of condolences is available in the atrium at Emergency Services Headquarters until June 27, for those who wish to sign.

John’s passing may be difficult to process. If you are in need of support, please reach out to our Peer Resource Team (1-855-778-8367) or visit the Psychological Health & Wellness Plan page on the Staff Blog for additional support resources.

The City of Toronto’s Count Yourself In: Workforce Survey is currently open and we encourage everyone to complete it. This brief, confidential survey helps the City to better understand how our workforce reflects the diverse communities we serve.

TPS Celebrates Newest Paramedics and Emergency Telecommunicators

On Tuesday, Chief Chawla, members of the leadership team, and special guests had the honour of celebrating TPS’ newest Paramedics and Emergency Telecommunicators. The support from family members, friends, and guests was felt by all who attended. Congratulations to the newest members of the TPS family!

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Closing Soon – 2024 Crest Design Competition

A reminder to submit your proposed service crest designs by Friday, June 21, 2024. Voting on submissions will occur from June 24 to July 1. Check out the Staff Blog for  competition details.

 2024 SRBH Annual Certification Education (ACE)

The 2024 ACE will run from August 19 to November 22, 2024, and will consist of an online pre-course as well as in-class instruction. All Paramedics must sign up for an ACE date no later than 23:59 on July 2, 2024. Visit the Staff Blog for the full memo.

Training Opportunity

A training opportunity remains open for Advanced Care Paramedic. All eligible Primary Care and Level 2 Paramedics may apply. Learn more about this opportunity on the Staff Blog. Questions can be sent to acp@toronto.caPosting closes June 20, 2024.

Job Opportunities

Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors for the following job calls:

Signature Events Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

The following EOIs were released this week:

All submissions must be received via the TeleStaff OT sign-up process. Refer to the companion document for instructions on how to submit your interest for this event. Applications must be received no later than 23:59:59 on Sunday July 7, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap   

The following communications were released in the last week:

All Staff

Operations

Communications

Eid-al-Adha

Eid Mubarak to all staff observing Eid-al-Adha, beginning sundown on June 15.

Father’s Day – June 16

Happy Father’s Day to all who will be celebrating. A special thank you to all the dads on shift this Sunday, working away from their loved ones.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Passing of Paramedic John Bird


It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of Level 2 Paramedic John Bird.

On behalf of the Senior Leadership team, I offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and all our staff.

John’s family will host a celebration of life, which will take place as follows:

Date:             Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time:             13:00-16:00
Location:       Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 5230 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke 

A book of condolences will be available in the atrium at Emergency Services Headquarters (4330 Dufferin Street) until June 27, 2024, for those who wish to sign.

If you are in need of support, please reach out to our Peer Resource Team (1-855-778-8367) or visit the Psychological Health & Wellness Plan page on the Staff Blog for additional support resources.

Please keep John’s loved ones in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Sincerely,
(Original signed by)

Bikram Chawla

Staffing Announcement – Commander, Professional Standards

I am pleased to announce that Susan Prevost is the successful candidate for the position of Commander, Professional Standards.

Susan began her career with Toronto Paramedic Services in 2006, working in the Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Subsequently, Susan became a Communications Training Officer (CTO). In 2017, Susan joined the leadership team as an Acting Superintendent in the Education and Quality Improvement Unit (EDQI) and was promoted to Superintendent in 2018. During her time in EDQI, Susan managed the CTO program, delivered continuing dispatch education, and led several recruitment initiatives.

Susan joined the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in 2022 as a Superintendent and became Acting Commander in 2023. As Acting Commander, Susan has implemented significant process enhancements within PSU, developed and coordinated specialized training to better support staff at all levels, and has maintained a focus on ensuring regulatory compliance.

Please join me in congratulating Susan and wishing her continued success.

Sincerely,
(Original signed by)                     

Jamie Burnett