Ornge officials addressed a coroner’s inquest stating that despite improvements in response times, meeting the Ministry of Health’s transportation deadlines for critically ill patients in northern Ontario remains a challenge. The inquest focused on the deaths of five Constance Lake First Nation residents due to blastomycosis in 2021.
During the hearings, Chief Operating Officer Wade Durham and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Sawadsky testified about the difficulties faced in swiftly transporting critically ill patients within the required four-hour window. They highlighted the geographical constraints in northern Ontario, making it unfeasible to adhere to the set timelines despite Ornge’s efforts.
In 2021, the time to reach critically ill patients in locations like Hearst was around five hours during the outbreak, which has since improved to just under four hours in most instances. However, challenges such as adverse weather conditions can further impede timely patient transfers, as witnessed in specific cases.
In one instance, a critically ill patient in Hearst required urgent transfer to Health Sciences North in Sudbury, but adverse weather conditions prevented the aircraft from landing. Despite efforts to explore alternative options, the patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to a tragic outcome.
Ornge officials acknowledged the complexities involved in prioritizing and coordinating patient transfers, especially in remote regions with limited resources and infrastructure. They emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance response times and resources, including the addition of new aircraft and personnel to better serve communities in need.
The inquest, which commenced in mid-October, is ongoing as stakeholders seek solutions to improve emergency medical services in underserved areas, particularly for Indigenous communities in northern Ontario.