Media Releases

Terminology Matters

❌ Please do not use the word “accident”

The word "accident" implies an act of fate and inadvertently removes accountability from the discussion. Please help paramedics to be a part of the solution. Paramedics have access to very interesting scientific data regarding the economic burden of preventable injury.

✅ Please use the word “collision”

Correct up-to-date terminology is "crash, collision, wreck, incident, event”.

Ambulance vs Paramedic

Using incorrect or outdated terminology is not only inaccurate but can also be insulting to paramedics.

Today’s highly trained paramedics are required to obtain college and/or university education in order to provide hospital-level skills in community settings. We worked hard to advance our profession so that paramedics would have the knowledge, skills, training and qualifications to administer dozens of medications and perform complex medical procedures that save countless lives.

MEDIA RELEASE - COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout for Ontario Paramedics

Paramedics have demonstrated a high impact on COVID-19 testing, deal directly with vulnerable populations and work diligently in outbreak settings. 

Paramedics being considered to give the vaccine, should first get the vaccine.

MEDIA RELEASE - OPA Reacts to Ontario Budget 2020

OPA encouraged by Government's mission to put patients first and end hallway health care

MEDIA RELEASE - Ontario Paramedics partner with Feed Ontario

The OPA is launching the #BankThePandemicPay initiative to assist food banks across Ontario with the resources required to continue being a vital lifeline for those in need. 

Eligible paramedics, who are working more than 100 hours per month are encouraged to donate their $250 per month lump sum pandemic premium to Feed Ontario.

This donation will play an integral role in getting food into the hands of Ontarians who need it most.

MEDIA RELEASE - Paramedics Essential to Ontario's Frontlines

It was recently announced that frontline workers would receive a “pandemic premium” for the next 16 weeks in light of COVID-19. The list of eligible frontline workers released on Friday April 24 did not include paramedics.

The Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) is concerned this decision sends the wrong message to frontline healthcare workers that were excluded from the list.