BACKGROUND  

In 1997, the Ministry of Health announced the downloading of responsibility for land ambulance services to counties, regions and districts within the province of Ontario.  Traditionally, the Ministry had been responsible for ambulance services as an integral part of the health care system and, in the District of Kenora, these services were provided by hospitals and municipal operators.  

The delivery of land ambulance services was identified as one of the optional services that could be provided by a District Social Services Administration Board and in 2000 the Kenora District Services Board voted to become the designated delivery agent for land ambulance including the municipalities and unincorporated areas of the District.  

The Ministry required delivery agents to determine by January 1, 2001, whether services would be contracted or provided directly.  Negotiations with hospitals for the continuation of service and a Request for Proposal from private contractors were not successful and the decision was made that the KDSB would operate the land ambulance service directly with the exception of the municipalities of Pickle Lake and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls which remained as municipally run services under a one year renewable contract with the KDSB.  

The municipally operated services elected to not renew the service contracts and therefore all land ambulance operations are now part of an integrated, district wide service known as Northwest EMS.  

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY  

Kenora District Services Board:   As the Designated Delivery Agent and service provider within the the District of Kenora the Board has responsibility for:  

• Governance of the land ambulance system
• Provision of vehicles and equipment in accordance with approved standards
• Development and approval of operational policy
• Allocation of financial resources
• Integration of ambulance service with other elements of patient care
• Planning short and long term requirements
• Coordination of programs and responsibilities with the Ministry of Health and Base Hospital
• 50% of approved funding costs and 100% of costs not approved by the Ministry of Health  

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care:   Emergency Health Services Branch maintains the authority for establishing and enforcing regulatory standards as follows:  

• Setting service standards and regulations under the Ambulance Act
• Licensing or certifying service providers and directing base hospitals
• 50% funding of approved costs to provide services
• Investigating complaints
• Evaluating service provision
• Monitoring quality assurance
• Provision of Ambulance Communication Centres (Dispatch)
• Provision of Air Ambulance  

Base Hospital:  The designated Base Hospital is located in Thunder Bay and has been delegated responsibility by the Ministry for a number of activities related to patient care provided by Paramedics in the District of Kenora:  

• Paramedic training in advanced life support skills
• Authorization of controlled Medical Acts
• Medical direction and control
• Patient care quality assurance related to controlled medical acts, administration of symptom relief medications, and defibrillation.
• Continuing education
• Research  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION  

As part of the Local Services Restructuring initiative the provincial government agreed to fund 50% of approved operating costs incurred by the designated delivery agents for the provision of land ambulance services.  Northwest EMS has an annual operating budget of approximately $8.7 million dollars which is cost shared with the Ministry of Health and additional revenue is derived from calls provided to First Nation communities which are not included in the funding formula for cost sharing.  

Salaries and benefits comprise approximately 70% of the annual budget with the remainder allocated for vehicles, equipment, supplies, overhead, and administration.  

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES  

Primary Care Paramedics are welcome to submit their resumes to work at one of our locations that offer a variety of pre-hospital, emergency medical service experiences and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of our northern environment with an abundance of recreational and cultural activities available at your doorstep.  We offer competitive wages and benefits and a positive team environment where quality patient care is always a priority.

Resumes indicating qualifications and experience may be sent to:  

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