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	Corporate Report
DEPARTMENT/	CAO's Office
DIVISION	Emergency Medical Services	REPORT NO.	2003.138
DATE PREPARED	May 1, 2003	FILE NO.
MEETING DATE	May 12, 2003
SUBJECT	Ministry of Natural Resources Paramedic Services Agreement

REPORT SUMMARY

To authorize entering into a service agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources Forest Fire Management Program, West Fire Region to provide a framework for enhanced support available to Forest Fire Management personnel during periods of peak operation and during periods when on-site Emergency Medical Services personnel are warranted due to the severity/nature of the situation.

Prior to local services realignment, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Natural Resources had an agreement to provide Emergency Medical Services in situations where large operations required paramedic services. Each year, the Ministry of Health asked Service Providers to allow staff who volunteered to work at these locations to sign up for response in the province. The closest stations normally had first opportunity to provide staff. This agreement had been in place and worked well between the two ministries and service providers until the downloading process nullified the practice.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Forest Fire Management Program, West Fire Region located in Dryden, approached the three Northern Designated Delivery Agents to re-activate the program. There was strong interest in providing such services as it benefits both the Ministry of Natural Resources and the EMS provider. The MNR receives a service it needs and the EMS agency staff gain valuable experience in large scale organizational Incident Command operation. The MNR reimburses the EMS provider for costs incurred. There is no net cost to the City related to participation in this program.

The attached agreement does not bind the EMS groups to automatically provide the service. The MNR is aware of the current shortage of paramedics. It is clearly understood that the service will only be provided if staff are available without affecting the current provision of EMS to the municipalities they serve.

The past practice of using district paramedics to provide MNR with Emergency Medical Services is of benefit to all parties concerned and should be re-activated with a Memorandum of Understanding as attached.

THAT with respect to Report No. 2003.138, (Emergency Medical Services), we recommend the City of Thunder Bay enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources Forest Fire Management Program, West Fire Region for provision of Emergency Medical Services when called upon;

AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any required documents, in form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor;

AND THAT any necessary By-laws be presented to City Council.

Attachment 1 - Memorandum of Understanding.