Northerners dying because of air ambulance issues, MPP says

NEWS RELEASE

VIC FEDELI, MPP

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Ornge puts Northern lives at risk: cabinet docs

QUEEN’S PARK -- Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says care for Northern Ontarians has been compromised on no fewer than 10 occasions in the past year by Ornge, the province’s air ambulance service.
 
In three of those cases, Northerners died. 

The evidence is highlighted in a secret cabinet document made public last week by Ontario PC Transportation Critic.
 
“This is simply inexcusable. The minister needs to take responsibility for this and resign,” said Fedeli.
 
In Question Period today, Fedeli asked the minister to do just that, and highlighted the fact Ornge [file photo shows takeoff from Sault Area Hospital] received a $6 million payment tied to the purchase of helicopters which have now been shown to have an interior design that doesn’t allow for proper care.
 
In two instances in Timiskaming and Capreol in 2011, patients died when paramedics reported they were unable to perform CPR on the patients during air transport.
 
In another case in Englehart, a patient couldn’t be transported by air ambulance because the new interior design of the helicopter doesn’t “allow for care to patients in respiratory distress.”
 
In “multiple” situations in Thunder Bay, Ornge was unable to respond to requests for air ambulance in Northern Ontario as there were no pilots on duty.
 
“Northerners are dying as a result of this scandalous helicopter purchase. And the minister knew about it and has done nothing,” Fedeli charged.
 
“This is unconscionable and she must resign now.”

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