Paramedics’ Excess Cancers Linked with Workplace Exposures
“Paramedics share many of the same exposures as firefighters and police as they respond to calls in private homes, public spaces and emergency incidents such as fires, building collapses, motor vehicle incidents and also natural disasters.” – Dr. Jeavana Sritharan
Paramedics Are Also Health Care Workers.
Most occupational breast cancers in women associated with night shift work occur among workers in the health care industry. These cancers also occur among workers in the accommodation and food services, trade, and manufacturing sectors.
Shift work at night (generally between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.) disrupts circadian rhythms, or the internal biological ‘clock’ that generates the sleep-wake cycle in humans.
Circadian disruption suppresses melatonin production, disrupts sleep patterns and food digestion, and de-regulates genes involved in cancer pathways.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies night shift work as a probable carcinogen (IARC 2A).
Ambulance Health and Safety Conference 2026
Dear Members,This is to advise you that the Sector 1 – Ambulance Health and Safety Conference has been scheduled. Conference Details Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Wednesday, October 21, 2026 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Hotel: Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites 600 Hwy 7 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B2905-882-3101Single rate: $299.00 + taxes Meeting Room: Richmond D, Sheraton Parkway Registration: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 12:30 pm Parking: Complimentary Please note: This is a hybrid event. If you elect to attend virtually, one week prior to the event a Zoom link with instructions will…
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Paramedic Health and Safety
Members of OPSEU/SEFPO take part in a government-union safety committee which addresses health and safety issues specific to Paramedics.
It’s called the “Paramedic Section 21 Committee” and it has published a series of guidance notes.
You can read and download them on the Paramedic Section 21 Committee section of the Workers Health and Safety Centre website.
911 in crisis
911 is in crisis. OPSEU/SEFPO Ambulance Communications Officers (ACOs) face lower wages, higher stress, and higher workloads, which causes recruitment and retention issues. Answer the call, improve staffing levels and deal with workload issues today.
Browse and share our collection of important safety reminders
OPSEU Healthcare Submissions
Sector executive
- Chair: Joel Usher
- Vice Chair : Andrew Simmons
- Secretary/Treasurer : Vacant
- Health & Safety Representative : Dave Doran
- Trustee: Amy Nettleton
- Trustee : Joshua Minty
- Trustee – Alternate: Melissa Walsh
- Director 1 – Middlesex-London L147, Oxford County: Brandon Wise
- Director 1 – Alternate: Scott Bernaerts
- Director 2 – Hamilton, Brant, Norfolk : Angel Martinez
- Director 2 – Alternate: Shane Hale-Vokey
- Director 3 – Peel, Guelph/Wellington, Halton: Mario Posteraro
- Director 3 – Alternate: James Ramage
- Director 4 – Simcoe, West Parry Sound & Grey Bruce : Cory Schepers
- Director 4 – Alternate : Stephen Fulton
- Director 5 – Frontenac, Lennox/Addington, Northumberland & Kawartha: Andrew Gagnon
- Director 5 – Alternate: Heidi Brown
- Director 6 – Manitoulin Sudbury EMS, Temagami : Don Symons
- Director 6 – Alternate: Alexander Joly
- Director 7 – Dispatch : Keri Irving
- Director 7 – Alternate: Mary Doran