The Operations division is responsible for deploying paramedics to all 9-1-1 emergency calls. It is comprised of the following units:
Paramedic Superintendents
Paramedic Superintendents oversee all operational resources.
The paramedics on these units work alone in SUV's. These vehicles are equipped with an impressive supply of life saving equipment and medications. The paramedics on these units work alone at the ACP or PCP level and are highly trained to save lives while also overseeing safety and operational efficiency for dozens of frontline staff across the city.
Paramedic Superintendents can be recognized by the maple leaf insignia on their shoulder epaulette slip-ons.
- 1 leaf = Acting Superintendent
- 2 leafs = Superintendent
Paramedic Superintendents obviously do not carry a stretcher but their vehicles are equipped with a lot of systems-level software and technology that enables them to ensure the paramedic services is able to meet the needs of the public and operate and maximum efficiency 24 hours per day.
Paramedic Superintendents also respond to high profile or large incidents to establish incident command and/or set up joint command with our allied partners in police and fire services.
Paramedic Superintendents also oversee all administrate responsibilities for frontline staff such as administration, coaching, mentorship, performance evaluations, resupply of equipment, scheduling issues and even handle emergency situations when other resources are unavailable,
Paramedic Response Unit
The Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) deploys paramedics alone in cars and the same SUV's that are used by Paramedic Superintendents. These vehicles are equipped with an impressive supply of life saving equipment and medications. The paramedics on these units work alone at the ACP or PCP level and are highly trained to save lives.
PRU Paramedics can be recognized by the stripes on their shoulder epaulette slip-ons.
- 1 stripe = Primary Care Paramedic
- 2 stripes = Advanced Care Paramedic
PRU Paramedics obviously do not carry a stretcher but their vehicles are quick and nimble which enable us to quickly start medical care before an ambulance is assigned to the call. These paramedics can also provide "treat and release" or "downgrade" responding units, which can free-up resources to respond to other more important medical incidents.
Paramedic Units
A Paramedic Unit is another name for an ambulance. Paramedic units deploys paramedics in pairs and they are equipped with an impressive supply of life saving equipment and medications.
The paramedics on these units work in tandem at the ACP or PCP level and are highly trained to save lives. Paramedics can be recognized by the stripes on their shoulder epaulette slip-ons.
- 1 stripe = Primary Care Paramedic
- 2 stripes = Advanced Care Paramedic
These paramedics may rotate on and off different units. As an example, they may work in an ambulance for several weeks and then in a PRU for several weeks.
These Paramedics are equipped with very advanced technology and a lot of very heavy equipment, including Stryker PowerLoad stretchers. These vehicles are very heavy and weigh over 12000lbs. Each paramedic must possess a valid Class-F Drivers License in order to legally operate an ambulance.
These paramedics provide hospital-level care in the community and are able to connect with Base Hospital Physicians by phone for the most complex cases.