In remote fly-in First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario, accessing reliable transportation for urgent medical care remains a continual struggle. Due to this challenge, these communities heavily rely on Ornge’s air ambulance service to transport individuals to hospitals in Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, or Thunder Bay, all located hundreds of kilometers away.
For instance, in Keewaywin First Nation, individuals facing a medical emergency often face difficulties securing a vehicle, let alone one equipped with necessary health-care supplies, to reach the nursing station. Eddie Meekis, a band councillor for the Oji-Cree First Nation, highlighted the issues faced, such as vehicle breakdowns and space constraints in personal vehicles.
Internal transportation within northwestern Ontario communities is also complex, whether it involves reaching the nursing station for immediate aid or getting to the airport for additional medical travel needs.
Jeffrey Gunner, from Moose Cree First Nation and the director of Ornge’s new emergency first response team (EFRT) program, shared instances where patients had to be transported in pickup trucks under adverse weather conditions, a situation uncommon in most of Ontario.
The EFRT initiative, backed by Ornge and managed by First Nations, has been operational in various communities in recent months, with an official launch event held at the Ornge hangar in Thunder Bay.
The program involves community coordinators and their teams receiving emergency response training to provide immediate care on-site and then safely transporting patients using new heavy-duty trucks equipped with medical equipment pods provided by Ornge.
Individuals from three of the eight participating communities—Keewaywin, Wapekeka, and Deer Lake First Nations—had their first glimpse of the trucks during the launch event. These trucks are stocked with essential medical supplies like oxygen and are designed to securely accommodate stretchers.
The vehicles are being delivered through seasonal ice roads to ensure timely access to the communities before the spring thaw. This initiative is a significant step forward in improving medical transportation in these remote regions.
The introduction of the EFRT program signifies a crucial shift from previous challenges faced by many First Nations communities in providing adequate medical support. Proper supplies and trained personnel are essential to prevent further medical complications, as mentioned by Gunner.
Alisha Makila, a paramedic with the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) tribal council’s health department, described the positive impact of using a pilot vehicle to test the EFRT program in Deer Lake. This approach has significantly enhanced the efficiency of transporting patients during critical moments, saving valuable time.
In Wapekeka First Nation, Zaccheriah Brown and Robyn Anderson, a married couple managing the community’s emergency response team, expressed their anticipation in utilizing the new vehicle to better assist community members. Their dedication underscores the importance of reliable emergency response services in these remote areas.