About EMS
Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is an all-volunteer service that provides emergency response services and first-aid training to residents of Côte Saint-Luc, and has since 1980. Together, a team of volunteer leaders supervises more than 95 volunteers to offer superior quality pre-hospital emergency medical care to the residents of and visitors to Côte Saint-Luc.
Each year, EMS respond to more than 3,000 emergency medical calls, arriving on the scene in less than four minutes and often making the difference between life and death.
Following the demerger from the City of Montreal, through intensive lobbying at all levels and a grassroots “Save EMS” campaign, Côte Saint-Luc was able to convince the Quebec government to include a provision to allow Côte Saint-Luc to keep control over first responder services on its territory when it adopted Bill 22.
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 Côte Saint-Luc Emergency Communications Centre receives the call at the same time as the Urgences-Santé ambulance and sends one of the EMS division’s three fully equipped first response vehicles, numbered 835, 836 and 837, and a supervisor vehicle numbered 831.
The mission of EMS is to arrive in the first crucial moments of an emergency, equipped with an external automated defibrillator (AED), oxygen and airway management supplies, spinal immobilization 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 major events in Côte Saint-Luc including Canada Day, Winter Carnival and the numerous festivals. EMS volunteers also provide CPR demonstrations, blood pressure checks and other preventative health tips at local shopping centres, seniors’ clubs and other venues.
CPR and AED courses
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) courses are available to the public through the Parks and Recreation Department.
How to join
EMS volunteers come from all walks of life, including students, parents, salespeople, nurses, business people, and librarians and speak more than a dozen languages. The variety is of great benefit to the community. Everyone has something unique to offer, and EMS are always looking for new people to join 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, orientation, police background check and an observation shift with a member of the EMS team. The course is offered at different times throughout the year. Upon completing the course, practical and theoretical exams, and an on-the-road training period, the new member becomes part of one of Côte Saint-Luc’s most prized possessions… its EMS.
EMS courses are generally held in the summer (intensive, during the day), in the fall (evenings) and in winter (evenings).
If you think you have what it takes to be an EMS medic or want additional information on our courses, please contact us.
Contact
For more information about EMS, please contact [email protected].
For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.