August 26, 2008

In 2007, the TTC experienced more than 4,000 incidents of customers or employees becoming ill or injured on subway trains or in subway stations. Of those, more than 1,200 occurred on subway trains, resulting in delays of almost 3,000 minutes.

In an effort to provide quicker response times and fewer subway service delays, the TTC and Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are teaming up for a pilot project, placing an EMS paramedic in the subway system during the morning and afternoon rush hour periods, Monday to Friday until January 3, 2009. This pilot project is funded by the TTC.

The paramedic responds to Passenger Assistance Alarms in the subway from Bloor-Yonge Station eastbound to Coxwell Station, westbound to Dundas West Station, northbound to Lawrence Station and southbound to St. Patrick Station.

The paramedic and TTC supervisor remain in direct contact with Transit Control. The 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Dispatcher is also called, with ambulances dispatched as usual while the subway paramedic is enroute to the call.

“The wellness of our customers is one of our top priorities,” says TTC Chair Adam Giambrone. “The TTC is very pleased to be working with our colleagues at EMS to ensure that anyone who becomes ill or injured in the subway system will have emergency responders on the scene very quickly. In addition, the quick response will allow the TTC to reduce delays due to emergencies, improving service for everyone.”

Toronto EMS Chief Bruce Farr says, “Toronto EMS receives many calls in the subway system and paramedics experience challenges and delays getting from the ambulance to the patient. Combining the TTC's transit system expertise with Toronto EMS’ expertise in prehospital care will lead to faster care for ill and injured passengers.”