Emergency Services
The Emergency Services Department has two components:
Paramedic Services
Hastings-Quinte
Paramedic Services
Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS)
Starting February 5, 2025, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services will adopt the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS).
Resources
Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services (HQPS) provides land Ambulance services to Hastings and Prince Edward Counties along with the two cities of Belleville and Quinte West. Our main headquarters are located in Belleville with additional Paramedic stations in Bancroft, Madoc, Quinte West, Stirling, Picton and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. We also have a mobile post located in Tweed.
We have recently introduced the new Crestline Fleetmax 2.0 Ambulance to our front-line operations. The new Ambulance design has many updated and improved features including vehicle intelligence communication screens, 6 inches of additional height in the patient compartment, RFID asset tracking, and a mobile computer-aided dispatch system.
As Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services strives to be on the leading edge of Paramedicine, we added drones in order to support decision-making during Emergency Operations. Drones are capable of streaming live images during mass casualty incidents increasing our situational awareness and guiding decisions on resource allocation. Thermal imaging cameras can also help locate patients in remote areas with the possibility of delivering life-saving medications to those in need.
Becoming a paramedic at Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services
- Successfully graduate from a certified Ontario College Paramedic Program receiving a minimum of a Primary Care Paramedic diploma or equivalent as deemed by Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
- Successfully pass the Ontario A-EMCA certification exam
- All potential recruits must complete a pre-employment screening and must successfully complete each stage of the recruitment process
- After successfully gaining employment at Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, recruits must then complete Base Hospital certification to perform delegated medical acts
In order to become an Advanced Care Paramedic, the paramedic must complete an additional year of study at a certified Ontario College Paramedic Program or equivalent.
How to apply
There are no application forms to complete. Simply send your resume and cover letter to: careers@hastingscounty.com
Any recommendations or reference letters should be included with your resume, along with copies of relevant certifications and employment prerequisites. Please also indicate whether you are seeking a part-time or full-time work opportunity. Only candidates considered for employment will be contacted.
Requirements for Paramedics with training outside Ontario
Paramedics who have received training from outside Ontario must first obtain their Ontario A-EMCA before being eligible for employment in an Ontario ambulance service. For information on an equivalency process please contact the Ministry of Health.
Recurrent Education
Paramedics participate in continuing education every year through both our service training and the Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario.
HQPS Community Paramedics are a highly skilled group practicing non-emergency patient care outside of traditional emergency response. CP’s apply supplementary training to each patient interaction while working collaboratively with health care providers and community partners to enrich the healthcare experience for our clients and their families.
Goals of the program
Serving the needs of the community while reducing 911 calls
Reducing avoidable emergency department visits and hospital stays through preventative and responsive care, such as remote patient monitoring
Mitigating the illness or disease trajectory thereby supporting increased quality of life
Providing individuals, families and caregivers peace of mind while waiting for a long-term care bed or in choosing to delay the option for long-term care
Minimizing the waitlist growth and duration by providing alternative options for some individuals who wish to stay home longer with appropriate care
Community Paramedics can help with the management of the following:
Urinary Tract Infection Protocols
Intravenous and Fluid Therapy
In-home POC INR and blood draws
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Vaccines – COVID and Flu
Congestive Heart Failure
Palliative Care
Support 911 Diversion
Diabetes Mellitus
The program also has a remote patient monitoring component. This consists of blood pressure, pulse oximeter, glucometer, thermometer and SpO2 monitor. Alerts get send directly to the Community Paramedic Team.
Program Inquiries and General Information: 613-771-9366 ext. 707
Email: communityparamedic@hastingscounty.com
Referrals: www.communityparamedics.ca
Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services provides the opportunity to take part in various special teams.
Emergency Response Team (ERT):
Select members of our paramedic team get to participate in ongoing training and work collaboratively with police services.
Difficult Access Response Team (D.A.R.T):
Select members of our paramedic team are fully certified operators of our UTV response unit. The UTV is deployed for difficult access as well as community events.
Paramedic Team Lead (PTL):
Select members of our paramedic team take over operational and support duties in the absence of the Platoon Superintendents.
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Peer Support Team:
Paramedics from each platoon along with part time members make up our peer support team. All team members receive special training in psychological first aid.
See what Paramedic Services is up to in the Hastings-Quinte region.
Event Coverage
Do you have a community or sporting event planned that requires Paramedic coverage?
Hastings-Quinte Paramedic services provide full medical coverage (subject to availability). The cost of an Ambulance along with Paramedic coverage is $282.16 per hour. If you are looking to book, or require more information contact accountspayablehqps@hastingscounty.com.
Hastings-Quinte Paramedics also take pride in supporting our community through public relations and community events. If you would like to have Paramedics attend your event let us know! (subject to availability)
Personal Health Information
To obtain personal health records you can submit a Personal Health Information Request by following the link below:
Key Contacts
Carl Bowker
Chief of Emergency Services
Chris Barry
Deputy Chief, Operations
Kelly Hunt
Executive Administrative Assistant
Danielle Spitzig
Deputy Chief of Education and Professional Standards
Hastings County
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