County of Simcoe Paramedic Services has introduced the Paramedic Driving Enhancement Program (PDEP), a new initiative designed to improve the driving skills of paramedics and enhance road safety across the region.
Developed in partnership with the Canada Safety Council and Hamilton Paramedic Services, the program combines classroom education, hands-on training, and a graduated driving matrix to ensure paramedics are fully prepared before transporting patients on their own.
The training includes five hours of classroom instruction and two hours of supervised, in-vehicle learning, with sessions held in closed training zones at Canadian Forces Base Borden. Certified platoon supervisors deliver the program, which also provides proactive training for high-risk staff and will expand to all operational personnel.
“Our paramedic vehicles travel an average of 3.8 million kilometers per year, often in heightened situations when seconds matter,” says Warden Basil Clarke. “This innovative initiative sets a new standard for operational excellence and safety, not just for our staff, but for the communities we serve.”
The County is also working with the Safety Council of Canada to develop a standardized driver safety curriculum for paramedic colleges, while advocating for province-wide adoption through the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs.
“This program isn’t just about training drivers; it’s about expanding our culture of safety,” adds Sarah Mills, Director and Chief of County of Simcoe Paramedic Services.
County of Simcoe, which represents 16 municipalities and delivers services to both the County and the cities of Barrie and Orillia, says PDEP reflects its commitment to safety and quality of care for residents.
Learn more here.
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