‘Code Zero’ in Kingston, Frontenac: paramedics staffing levels hit critical low

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Paramedics in Kingston and Frontenac are in crisis.

Ontarians rely on the compassion and expertise paramedics provide – yet paramedics aren’t getting the dignified support they deserve.

Last week, local members from Kingston and Frontenac County came together to send a strong message about the unsustainable demands being asked of them, while emphasizing how desperately more staffing and ambulances are required to meet the needs of the community.

Dave Doran, Vice-President of OPSEU/SEFPO 462, spoke with both Global News and the Kingstonist about the ongoing crisis – underscoring the many needs that are not currently being met for paramedics on the frontlines.

“The service is in crisis right now,” Dave Doran told the Kingstonist.

“Paramedics are burnt out, they’re having a difficult time responding to the amount of call volume there is within the city of Kingston.”

The County of Frontenac has failed to supply adequate ambulances or staffing levels, Doran told Global News. Consequently, the region has seen an alarming number of ‘Code Zero’ situations – where 9-1-1 calls are made but there are no ambulances available to respond.