Toronto van attack response: Q&A with Toronto paramedics

Toronto Paramedic Services' Paramedics, Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD), Supervisors and Operations Support Technicians are well trained through continuous in-service training throughout the year and normal daily operations.

Toronto Paramedic Services operates the Central Ambulance Communications Centre, which oversees all emergency response operations daily for the City of Toronto. Our EMDs provide command, control and communications to responding Paramedics and support resources, supporting the on-site command structure. They followed established protocols and training.

While en route to the scene, the paramedics would prepare themselves mentally for how they will assess, treat and care for patients that they might encounter.

The number of bystanders who took the initiative to provide first aid and care to the victims prior to our arrival displayed the true helping spirit of Torontonians. We also take great pride in knowing that we were able to continue to provide seamless emergency coverage and response to the rest of the city of Toronto.