Ornge officials testified at a coroner’s inquest that meeting the Ministry of Health’s timelines for transporting critically ill patients in northern Ontario remains a challenge, despite improvements in response times since 2021.
During the inquest into the deaths of five individuals from Constance Lake First Nation due to blastomycosis in 2021, Ornge’s Chief Operating Officer Wade Durham and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Sawadsky revealed that the transportation of the most critically ill patients within four hours, as per the province’s policy, is unattainable in the vast northern region.
Sawadsky explained that in 2021, it took around five hours to dispatch an air ambulance to a patient in northern towns like Hearst during emergencies, but this has now been reduced to just under four hours in most cases. However, challenges such as adverse weather conditions can hinder timely responses, as seen in specific cases.
In one instance, Luke Moore urgently needed transportation from Hearst to Health Sciences North in Sudbury, but various factors, including snow-covered runways and high winds, prevented the plane from landing. Despite efforts to explore alternative options, Moore tragically passed away while awaiting transport.
Similarly, delays and challenges were encountered in the case of Lizzie Sutherland, who required advanced care but faced obstacles in securing timely transportation due to a combination of weather conditions, limited resources, and communication issues between hospitals.
Ornge acknowledged the need for improvements in communication, resource allocation, and infrastructure at northern airports to enhance emergency response capabilities. Efforts are underway to enhance fleet resources, hire additional staff, and upgrade facilities to better serve remote communities, including Indigenous populations.
The inquest, which commenced in October, is ongoing as stakeholders continue to address gaps in emergency medical services and strive to provide equitable healthcare access to all communities.