Sudbury Paramedic Association

CTV News Northern Ontario Article
Dated June 08, 2026

"Half of primary care paramedics in Sudbury have less than five years of experience and 20 per cent have one year or less, a new report has found, as high attrition rates continue to plague the system.

Staffing challenges are even worse for advanced care paramedics, where, despite heavy recruitment efforts, their numbers have dropped from 64 in 2024 to 57 in 2025, “representing the largest single-year net loss during the period reviewed.”

Departures of advanced care paramedics (ACP) have outpaced new hires since 2020, the report said.

More departures than new hires

“This imbalance has created operational pressures, including challenges in maintaining emergency response coverage, ensuring timely ACP response to critical calls, accommodating time-off requests, and managing increased overtime,” the report said.

“The growing reliance on a smaller cohort of ACPs has contributed to increased burnout and declining morale, further influencing decisions to seek employment elsewhere.”

Most of the ACPs that have left Sudbury recently took new jobs with Ornge, the report said, where pay levels are higher.

“Ornge has recently expanded its Sudbury base, increasing local employment opportunities,” the report said.

“Others have moved to other ACP services with lower call volumes and reduced operational intensity. These departure patterns show that compensation, workload, and service intensity are increasingly influential factors affecting ACP retention.”

A standing committee has been created to focus on paramedic retention issues, which has produced a comprehensive shift scheduling manual and paramedic staff website to address longstanding concerns and sources of frustration.

Higher pay, benefits down south

Other steps include a tuition reimbursement program, the creation of a permanent wellness coordinator and a new ACP program at College Boreal.

Working against these efforts are pay and benefit hikes down south.

“In parallel, a new and emerging trend is being observed in parts of southern Ontario, where some paramedic services have implemented significant wage increases to better align paramedic compensation with other emergency services, such as fire and police,” the report said.

“These adjustments have intensified competition for experienced paramedics and may further affect recruitment and retention pressures if disparities continue to widen.”

And with so many new people on staff, the pressure on experienced staff increases.

Violence against paramedics

“Burnout and cumulative fatigue risks also persist, particularly in a workforce with a growing proportion of newer staff,” the report said.

“Operating conditions in high-complexity environments -- including increased homelessness, substance use, and incidents of violence against paramedics -- add further strain.”

The lack of supervisors on the frontline is another growing issue, with the supervisor-to-staff ratios approaching 50:1 at times.

The shortage is “creating challenges in operational oversight, staff support, mentorship for newer paramedics and effective management of complex calls,” the report said.

“This issue is increasingly linked to both workforce sustainability and service quality and warrants further examination and future service enhancements to improve supervisor-to-staff ratios.”

The report will be reviewed by Sudbury’s community and emergency services committee on June 15."

- Darren MacDonald, CTV News Northern Ontario, 06/08/26

Half of primary care paramedics in Sudbury have less than five years of experience and 20 per cent have one year or less, a new report has found, as high attrition rates continue to plague the system.

“This imbalance has created operational pressures, including challenges in maintaining emergency response coverage, ensuring timely ACP response to critical calls, accommodating time-off requests, and managing increased overtime,” the report said.

“The growing reliance on a smaller cohort of ACPs has contributed to increased burnout and declining morale, further influencing decisions to seek employment elsewhere.”

“Burnout and cumulative fatigue risks also persist, particularly in a workforce with a growing proportion of newer staff,” the report said.

“Operating conditions in high-complexity environments -- including increased homelessness, substance use, and incidents of violence against paramedics -- add further strain.”

“In parallel, a new and emerging trend is being observed in parts of southern Ontario, where some paramedic services have implemented significant wage increases to better align paramedic compensation with other emergency services, such as fire and police,” the report said.

- Darren MacDonald, CTV News Northern Ontario
June 08, 2026

ctvnews.ca/northern-ontario/article/burnout-other-pressures-lead-to-high-turnover-for-paramedics-in-sudbury/

Half of primary care paramedics in Sudbury have less than five years of experience and 20 per cent have one year or less, a new report has found, as high attrition rates continue to plague the system.

“This imbalance has created operational pressures, including challenges in maintaining emergency response coverage, ensuring timely ACP response to critical calls, accommodating time-off requests, and managing increased overtime,” the report said.

“The growing reliance on a smaller cohort of ACPs has contributed to increased burnout and declining morale, further influencing decisions to seek employment elsewhere.”

“Burnout and cumulative fatigue risks also persist, particularly in a workforce with a growing proportion of newer staff,” the report said.

“Operating conditions in high-complexity environments -- including increased homelessness, substance use, and incidents of violence against paramedics -- add further strain.”

“In parallel, a new and emerging trend is being observed in parts of southern Ontario, where some paramedic services have implemented significant wage increases to better align paramedic compensation with other emergency services, such as fire and police,” the report said.

- Darren MacDonald, CTV News Northern Ontario
June 08, 2026

https://www.ctvnews.ca/northern-ontario/article/burnout-other-pressures-lead-to-high-turnover-for-paramedics-in-sudbury/

Let’s save lives together.

Every day, we save lives in different ways. Whether through emergency care, supporting our loved ones, or helping those in need. Now, let’s come together and save lives the same way by donating plasma.

🚨 Sirens For Life 2026 campaign has officially launched!

🚑 We invite you, our friends, families, and community members to join our team: Greater Sudbury Paramedics team in this friendly competition. This campaign will be running from June 17 to September 5, 2026.

Just one plasma donation can make a lifesaving difference for patients who rely on plasma-based treatments. Join our team and help make an impact today!

How to join:
1. Set up an account on blood.ca/PFL or on the GiveBlood app
2. Select ‘Partners’ in the menu
3. Enter “Greater Sudbury Paramedics”
4. Click ‘Join the team’
5. Book your next donation!

It’s in us to give 🩸

🚴‍♀️💗 What a ride! 💗🚴‍♂️

Our Sudbury Paramedics team hit the road on the MEGABike yesterday, supporting Breast Cancer Canada. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and colleagues, we raised $1,772 for this vital cause! 🙌

Every kilometre pedaled and dollar donated brings us closer to improved outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, cheered us on, and helped make this possible. We’re honored to ride for such an important purpose. 💕

Missed the ride? It’s never too late to show your support:
https://bcsc.akaraisin.com/ui/megabike2026/t/df9f6b6b0e8c48fab3b9691b44fb6973

June is PTSD Awareness Month - and together, we can break the stigma.

Post‑traumatic stress disorder affects first responders at twice the rate of any other profession.

Supporting mental health in public safety is essential.

Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s annual PTSD Awareness Walk, hosted by our Blue Balance Wellness Committee.

🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Registration opens at 10:45 AM)
📍 Start: Grace Hartman Amphitheatre (900 Paris St.)
➡️ Finish: Canadian Forces Armory (333 Riverside Dr.)

Participation is free for current and retired first responders, emergency personnel, and mental health professionals.
The first 100 members of the public can register for $10, with all proceeds supporting Wounded Warriors Canada and their culturally informed mental‑health programs for trauma‑exposed professionals and families.

Our mission: raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and stand united against the stigma surrounding PTSD.

Register or learn more:
https://trellis.org/4th-annual-greater-sudbury-ptsd-awareness-walk

💜 June is PTSD Awareness Month 💜

This is a glimpse into a reality many first responders know well. While a cardiac arrest may not always be the most traumatic call, it’s something paramedics face regularly — and moments like these can still stay with you.

PTSD doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can show up in different ways, at different times, and often when you least expect it.

In a profession where difficult calls are part of the job, it’s important to remember: struggling doesn’t have to be. Reaching out early, talking to someone, and supporting one another can make all the difference.

To our paramedics, police, firefighters, hospital staff, and all support personnel — we see you, and we stand with you.

🚴‍♀️💗 Sudbury Paramedics are teaming up against breast cancer!

This Friday, June 5, our team will be climbing aboard the MEGABike to help raise funds and awareness in support of those affected by breast cancer. This cause touches the lives of so many people in our community, including our own friends, family members, colleagues, and patients.

Every donation, big or small, helps support vital breast cancer research, patient programs, and services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Please consider supporting our ride and helping us reach our fundraising goal. Together, we can pedal toward a future without breast cancer.

💗 Donate today and help us make every kilometre count!

Click here ➡️ https://bcsc.akaraisin.com/ui/megabike2026/t/df9f6b6b0e8c48fab3b9691b44fb6973

Sudbury Paramedics - MEGABike 2026 Support Our Efforts For Breast Cancer Canada The Sudbury Paramedics team is proud to ride the MEGABike on June 5 in support of Breast Cancer Canada! This cause

🚑 That’s a wrap on Paramedic Week 🚑

As the week comes to a close, we want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our partners and supporters who helped make it such a success. Your support allowed us to celebrate the people behind the uniform in a meaningful way.

This week was truly enjoyed by our staff — a chance to connect, reflect, and recognize the work that’s done every day across our service.

Paramedicine can often be a thankless job, with long hours, tough calls, and work that happens quietly behind the scenes. But this week gave us the opportunity to pause and appreciate the dedication, compassion, and resilience our teams bring to the community each and every day.

To all of our paramedics, EVTs, and support staff — thank you for everything you do.

💛

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ From the truck to the track 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Some of our incredible medics traded their uniforms for running shoes today at the Sudbury Rocks Run!

From 10KM to 21KM to the full 42KM marathon — this crew showed the same dedication, resilience, and determination we see on shift every day.

We’re proud to see our team supporting their health, pushing their limits, and representing Sudbury EMS out in the community.

Way to go to everyone who ran — that’s no small feat! 👏💛