Message from the Chief of Paramedic Services
Welcome to our page. Rainy River District Paramedic Service is comprised of more than 57 dedicated professionals, including 52 front line Paramedics and a Management and administrative team of 5. We serve a diverse population and region, ever mindful of specific emergency service needs. Included in our deployment area are 10 municipalities, 9 First Nation communities and a vast unincorporated area throughout the Rainy River District. We look forward to providing you with prompt service, socially and culturally aware.
On January 1, 2000, the responsibility for Land Ambulance Services, previously delivered by the province, were transferred to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB). The Board elected to continue to provide Land Ambulance services through contract with the two local hospitals for the next seven years. On January 1, 2007 the RRDSSAB elected to directly operate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) as Rainy River District Emergency Medical Services and ended the contracts with Atikokan General Hospital and Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. January 1, 2016 the Board adopted to rename the service to Rainy River District Paramedic Services to better reflect the advancement of the role of Paramedics across the province.
Our efforts in emergency preparedness, staff training, Community Paramedicine, public access defibrillation and working with our community partners continue to expand and improve. Responding to emergency calls from 4 stations utilizing 12 emergency vehicles.
The EMS system has been rapidly changing over the last decade, in keeping with local needs and medical advancement. We constantly endeavor to improve services to our communities. Today, patients under the care of Paramedics will see an impressive array of skills and specialized diagnosis/treatment equipment. The delivery of Community Paramedicine has brought many of these services directly to the homes of our clients resulting in improved quality of life, while remaining at home, thus reducing pressures on the health care system. Our Paramedics work under medical directives and receive guidance of a Physician, through direct access in emergencies and extensive ongoing training and certification. Our service responds 24/7 to a population base of 20,500 and attends more than 5,000 calls annually across the 15,000 square kilometers of the Rainy River District.
May I take the opportunity to welcome your interest in our service. As the Chief of Rainy River District Paramedic Services my goal is to employ the finest team of dedicated professionals to deliver the highest level of care and compassion. We welcome comments, questions and your continued involvement in our program. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly, Thank you!
Respectfully,
Chad Buist
Chief of Paramedic Services