Code Black Means NO Available Ambulances
THUNDER BAY – Be careful tonight. Why? Superior EMS is in what is called a “Code Black”. Rob Moquin, a paramedic and unit paramedic chair for Unifor 229 tells NetNewsLedger, “There have been several overdoses today. Tonight we have had a surge in 911 calls that resulted in a code black situation with pending emergencies waiting”.
At 10:30 pm on February 28, 2019, Moquin says, “We are currently 6 ambulances on offload delay right now.”
This situation has gone on for a long time. It is not only taking a toll on patients who need emergency healthcare but also taking a toll on paramedics.
“It weighs heavy on paramedics knowing there are people out there waiting for an ambulance and we are all on other calls knowing those people have to wait for help to arrive,” concluded Moquin.
This issue has been going on for a long time. Getting increased funding for Superior EMS seems to be far more difficult than it should be.
NetNewsLedger will be following up with City Officials and senior government officials and will report back as this issue evolves toward better solutions.
