Ornge, the air ambulance service in Ontario, stated during a coroner’s inquest that despite improvements in response times since 2021, it remains challenging to adhere to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines for transporting critically ill patients in northern regions. Chief operating officer Wade Durham and chief medical officer Dr. Bruce Sawadsky testified at the inquiry investigating the deaths of five individuals from Constance Lake First Nation due to blastomycosis, a fungal lung disease outbreak in 2021.
Luke Moore and Lizzie Sutherland passed away at Notre Dame hospital in Hearst while awaiting transfers to better-equipped medical facilities. Sawadsky highlighted that the most severe cases, categorized as life- or limb-threatening, are expected to be transported to their destination within four hours as per provincial policy, but achieving this in northern Ontario is a formidable task due to vast distances. In 2021, it took around five hours to dispatch an air ambulance to a critically ill patient in locations like Hearst, but this has now reduced to just under four hours in most instances. However, these times do not include the additional duration for further care upon reaching the destination.
Weather conditions also play a significant role in hindering timely responses, as demonstrated in Moore’s case. Despite efforts to reach him swiftly, unfavorable weather conditions, such as snow on the runway and high crosswinds, prevented the plane from landing at Hearst airport. Alternative solutions like transferring Moore by ambulance to Kapuskasing were deemed risky due to his critical condition and uncertain weather conditions.
On a positive note, Sawadsky mentioned a smoother process for another patient, Lorraine Shaganash, who was airlifted to Health Sciences North in Sudbury within six hours. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Shaganash passed away the following day. Similarly, Sutherland faced delays in transportation due to bed availability issues at the receiving hospital, leading to her deteriorating condition and eventual passing.
Efforts have been made to enhance response times in northern Ontario post the outbreak, including the addition of aircraft to existing bases and the procurement of a faster jet that can accommodate multiple critically ill patients. The aim is to address the challenges faced in providing timely and efficient air ambulance services in the region. The inquest, which commenced in mid-October, is ongoing.