FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2005
Privatizing air ambulance services will compromise safety -- OPSEU
A Ministry of Health plan to privatize Ontario’s air ambulance services will compromise patient safety and threaten the future of air ambulance staff, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has warned.
“The government has a responsibility to ensure that emergency air ambulance service is there for the people of Ontario if the horrible time comes that they need it. Off-loading that responsibility to a private corporation is a recipe for disaster,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
Air ambulance services respond to 17,000 calls per year and are responsible for all air ambulances dispatched across Ontario, from flights between hospitals for life-saving surgery to accidents response. The unit is also responsible for organ transplant retrieval across Canada and into parts of the United States.
Local union vice president Chuck Kennedy said the ministry’s announcement shocked the 47 affected air ambulance staff. “We’re very nervous about what privatization will mean for patient safety and the future of the air ambulance staff,” he said. “We’re sure a private operator will cut corners to reduce costs.”
Air ambulance Services consist of two components. The medical side is staffed by fully-trained paramedics who respond to calls, assess the needs of the patient and make sure that airplanes, helicopters and flight staff are properly equipped and briefed. The flight side is staffed by experienced pilots and air traffic
controllers who are responsible for all flight arrangements with airports and hospitals. They ensure patients get to the appropriate hospital in the fastest and safest way possible.
“The McGuinty Liberals were elected promising not to privatize Ontario’s health services,” said Casselman. “This is another example of Liberal broken promises.”
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For more information
Sarah Jordison, OPSEU Communications – 416-443-8888 x7440 or 416-453-8049
