Our Services
KDSB Paramedics take part in:
- Local Family Safety Nights
- Local school presentations
- Public relation events
Through education and awareness, Northwest EMS aims to decrease the need to call 911 as well as decrease the severity of the patient issue prior to our arrival.
Northwest EMS was one of the first Paramedic Service in Ontario to take part in the FAST program initiated by Heart and Stroke.
FAST stands for:
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties, and
Time to call emergency services
Northwest EMS supports the FAST program as it helps raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of acting quickly. FAST decals have been placed on all ambulances. These decals encourage individuals to seek emergency care right away if they experience stroke symptoms.
Learn more about this program at the following websites:
Time is key when it comes to cardiac arrests.
The most important person helping those in need could be you. You do not need to be a first responder to make a difference.
One of the best ways you can help is by learning First Aid, CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). In the event of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, these tools may help save someone’s life.
In 2007, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario (HSFO) began working in partnership with EMS operators across Ontario to increase the availability of Automatic External Defibrillators in communities. The HSFO provided initial funding for AED’s and EMS providers across Canada helped look after the distribution of the AED’s in their local coverage areas.
The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) will support those organizations that have on-site PAD’s. Each organization is responsible to have an AED Site Coordinator. The AED site coordinator will oversee the proper mounting, maintenance and registration of each AED unit.
Organizations are responsible for:
- The purchase and replacement of their equipment and supplies
- The training of individuals in CPR, and
- The maintenance of the AED
The Kenora District CACC (Central Ambulance Communications Centre) will use your AED in a cardiac emergency. The CACC requires the following information:
- Location of the AED
- Proof that the AED has been maintained on a regular basis
- That supplies are not expired, and
- The AED is placed properly for public access
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has directed our CACC dispatchers to only use those PAD’s that are:
- Registered with an Ambulance Service
- Maintained, and
- Placed where the public has access to the unit
The PAD Program recognizes the AED as a valuable tool and together with CPR will save lives. Without your commitment to this program, CACC will not use your AED when a 911 cardiac emergency is reported.
The Kenora District Services Board offers oversight of public AED’s.
To register a PAD:
KDSB PAD Registration Form
If you are committed to the PAD program and public access to your AED, please fill out the registration form at your earliest convenience and email it back to us at PADProgram@kdsb.on.ca.
To complete the monthly maintenance of a PAD:
KDSB PAD Monthly Maintenance Form
The Monthly Maintenance Inspection Report is to be completed monthly and can be emailed to PADProgram@kdsb.on.ca upon completion.
Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Contact List
For more information on AED supplies and training, please contact KDSB’s Northwest EMS directly.