Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Medial Services (EMS) is an all-volunteer service that provides emergency response services and first-aid training to residents of Côte Saint-Luc.

Each year, EMS responds to more than 3,000 emergency medical calls per year, arriving on scene in less than four minutes and often making the difference between life and death.

The primary function of EMS is to provide first response services in Côte Saint-Luc for all medical emergencies received through the 9-1-1 system. When a call is made to 9-1-1 for a life threatening or otherwise serious medical emergency, the EMS dispatch centre receives the call at the same time as the Urgences-Santé ambulance and sends one of the department’s three fully-equipped first response vehicles.

EMS almost always arrives in the first crucial moments, equipped with a LifePack 12 external automated defibrillator (AED), oxygen and airway management supplies, backboard and spinal immobilisation equipment, trauma supplies and certain emergency medications, including an Epi-Pen® for severe allergic reactions.

Public events

In addition to responding to emergency calls, EMS volunteers provide first aid services at most special events in Côte Saint-Luc including Canada Day, Winter Carnival and the Yiddish Festival. EMS volunteers also provide CPR demonstrations, blood pressure checks and other preventative health tips at local shopping centres, seniors’ clubs and other venues.

Training

The Education Division of EMS trains new recruits and offers first aid courses to the public. Certified instructors teach courses in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and more. Courses are held at the EMS station or in private homes.

Disaster response

Some EMS medics are members of the elite Emergency Response Team (ERT), which is called to service in the event of major incidents and natural or man-made disasters. Trained in mass casualty, incident command and light rescue, these EMS medics provide valuable assistance and expertise.

How to join

EMS volunteers come from all walks of life, including students, parents, salespeople, nurses, business executives, doctors and librarians and speak a dozen languages. The variety is of great benefit to the community. Everyone has something unique to offer and EMS is always looking for new people to fill its ranks . No medical experience or training is required to join.

The training provided covers a wide-range of topics including human anatomy, bleeding control, airway management and CPR. The course is offered to applicants who have successfully completed an interview, physical evaluation and observation shift with a member of the EMS team. The course is offered at different times throughout the year, including an evening course in the fall and winter and a summer intensive course. Upon completing the course, practical and theoretical exams and an on-the-road stage, the new member becomes part of one of Côte Saint-Luc’s most prized possessions… its EMS department.

If you think you have what it takes to be an EMS medic or want additional information on our courses, please contact us .

How to contact EMS

Director: Stephane Kallos
Tel: 514-485-6950
Fax: 514-485-6957
E-mail: skallos@cotesaintluc.org

For all medical emergencies dial 9-1-1