Ornge officials reported to a coroner’s inquest that despite improvements in response times since 2021, it remains challenging to meet the Ministry of Health’s set timelines for transporting critically ill patients in northern Ontario. Chief operating officer Wade Durham and chief medical officer Dr. Bruce Sawadsky testified during the inquiry into the deaths of five Constance Lake First Nation members due to blastomycosis, a fungal lung disease outbreak in 2021.
The most critically ill patients, categorized as having life- or limb-threatening conditions, are expected to be picked up and transported to their destination within four hours, as per provincial policy. Sawadsky acknowledged the logistical difficulties in meeting this standard in northern Ontario due to vast distances.
In 2021, it took around five hours to deploy an air ambulance to a critically ill patient in northern towns like Hearst during the blastomycosis outbreak, which has now improved to just under four hours in most cases. This timeframe does not encompass the transfer time to higher levels of care at the destination. Weather conditions also play a significant role in accessing patients, as exemplified in the case of Luke Moore.
Moore’s critical condition required urgent transfer to Health Sciences North in Sudbury. However, weather conditions, including snow on the runway and high crosswinds, prevented the plane from landing at Hearst airport. Despite efforts to explore alternative options like ambulance transport to Kapuskasing, it was deemed too risky given Moore’s condition.
The challenges in coordinating timely transfers were further highlighted in the case of Lizzie Sutherland, who faced delays in securing a transfer to HSN due to factors such as limited aircraft availability and communication issues regarding bed availability. These issues underscored the need for improved communication and resource allocation within the air ambulance service.
Efforts have been made to enhance response times in northern Ontario post-outbreak, including the addition of aircraft and paramedic hires. Plans to introduce a faster jet for transporting critically ill patients and renewing the helicopter fleet are underway. Despite ongoing challenges, Ornge is committed to addressing service gaps, especially for Indigenous communities, with the support of the Ministry of Health.
The inquest, which commenced in mid-October, is ongoing as authorities strive to address the systemic issues and enhance emergency medical services in northern regions.