Ratio of Full-time to Part-time Paramedics

Toronto Paramedic Services was also consulted for this report. As the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted, the City and Toronto Paramedic Services have continued to implement and maintain initiatives to support the wellness of all Toronto Paramedic Services staff, including part-time Paramedics: Uninterrupted pay for every Toronto Paramedic Services employee on self-isolation due to possible exposure to COVID-19. Part-time Paramedics absent due to COVID-19-related symptoms continue to be compensated for pre-scheduled shifts. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits coverage for all accepted claims regarding illnesses/injuries acquired while working, including COVID-19. Launch of a Staff Support Centre to track COVID-19-related absences and to answer staff enquiries related to the pandemic. Self-screening of all staff for symptoms of illness prior to starting work each shift to increase protection of paramedics and the public. Psychological Health and Wellness Plan for all staff, focused on prevention, reduction of stigma, timely intervention, post-incident support and increasing available resources. In April 2020, the City approved the provision of psychological services for part-time Paramedics provided through the BEACON program offered by the City's benefits provider, Green Shield Canada. It should also be noted that, in Ontario, both full-time and part-time Paramedics are permitted to work for more than one employer. A portion of both full-time and part-time Toronto Paramedic Services Paramedics are known to work for other Paramedic services outside Toronto. In addition, the Ontario government has provided funding for temporary pandemic pay to all active frontline Paramedics, regardless of job classification, in the form of a temporary top-up based on hourly wages as well as monthly lump sum payments. This pay is in recognition of the challenges and heightened risk faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. The goals of this temporary pandemic pay were to provide additional support and relief to frontline workers, encourage staff to continue working and attract prospective employees, and to help maintain safe staffing levels and the operation of critical frontline services.