April 2009

The TTC and Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) expanded the platform paramedic pilot in March by positioning a paramedic at Bloor-Yonge Station during the morning and afternoon rush periods.

A second paramedic and TTC Supervisor are now based at Spadina Station on weekday mornings between 7-10 a.m., in addition to Bloor-Yonge team. Both teams are on duty during the afternoon rush between 2-6 p.m. – one team at Union Station and the other at Eglinton Station.

These changes will bring help more quickly to TTC customers by expanding the area the paramedic can reach by subway, better accommodating the daily flow of commuter traffic.

“The logistical challenges of responding in the subway system can make it difficult to reach patients quickly,” says Toronto EMS Chief Bruce Farr. “By placing a highly trained paramedic in the system, who is familiar with the underground architecture, we are reaching patients faster and immediately beginning treatment.”