Hamilton Paramedic Service is one of the busiest land ambulance services in the province.
(Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan 2022 to 2031, page 53)
Current Service Challenges
Paramedic Chief unwilling to commit to addressing an unsustainable situation
The Hamilton Spectator recently reported that Hamilton Paramedic Services continues to face significant operational challenges.
According to a presentation by Chief Russell Crocker to City Council, response times increased by 5.4%, exceeding the projected 3.3% increase. The service is also experiencing ongoing difficulties meeting response time targets, with performance reported to be worse than in 2020.
The presentation further indicated that Hamilton Paramedic Services is operating with a minimum staffing deficit of 10 paramedics relative to the City’s approved Master Plan, and that the current situation is considered “not sustainable.”
Despite these concerns, the Spectator reported that the Chief stated he does not yet know whether Hamilton Paramedic Services will request additional staffing in 2027.
Paramedic Scope of Practice
By 2031, Hamilton’s population is expected to grow by almost 20%.
(Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan 2022 to 2031, page 32)
Community Paramedic & Social Navigator Training
There is a predicted 3 to 5% increase for paramedic responses each year.
(Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan 2022 to 2031, page 67)
A forecasted increase in the senior population will significantly increase the demand on services provided by Hamilton Paramedic Service over the next ten years and beyond.
(Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan 2022 to 2031, page 22)
To keep pace with the projected increase in response volume at the low to average projection levels, 24 hours of additional ambulance staffing each year for the next 10 years is required.
(Hamilton Paramedic Service Master Plan 2022 to 2031, page 67)