Most Ontarians never see it, but there is an entire emergency medical system operating 24 hours a day. Within seconds of a call to 911, a chain of highly trained professionals begin coordinating lifesaving care. In all, Ontario’s paramedics responded to roughly 1.8 million calls last year.
When an emergency happens, communications officers assess the situation, find the nearest available ambulance, dispatch paramedics, and stay on the line to guide callers through critical medical instructions before help even arrives. When paramedics reach the scene, they make split-second decisions, provide advanced medical care in unpredictable environments, and ensure patients receive continued care at a hospital when needed.
This Paramedic Services Week, we recognize the courage, professionalism, and dedication of every worker who keeps this system running — including the roughly 5,500 paramedics and communications officers who are CUPE members across Ontario.
Paramedics are there for what is often the worst moment in someone’s life and Ontarians understand the critical role they play. A 2023 poll found that 91% of people have considerable respect for paramedics, while 61% believe paramedics are central to public safety.
That public respect stands in stark contrast to how this sector has been treated by governments. Paramedic services across the province have faced a years-long staffing crisis. Too few paramedics are entering the profession, while too many paramedics and communications officers are burning out, experiencing trauma, living with PTSD, and leaving the job altogether.
To everyone working in paramedic services: CUPE Ontario’s 300,000 members are deeply grateful for your commitment and care. We will continue fighting alongside you for fair contracts, safer working conditions, and the staffing levels needed to protect both workers and the health and safety of Ontarians.
