The ORNGE is rotten

Back in the late 90's I was privileged to be one of the managers responsible for the Ontario Air Ambulance Service. We offered a basic service but highly efficient service. For approximately $60 Million a year we provided 15,000 air ambulance flights a year across the province with a team of some of the best flight medics in North America, if not the world. With Mike Harris those costs were reduced by approximately $6 Million, without a huge impact to the patients by reducing non-emergency patient transfer flights.

We contracted with Canadian Helicopters to provide a fleet of S76 Sikorski helicopters, the Cadillac, of helicopters in the EMS world with ample patient care space, good range, and high reliability. Fixed wing flights were provided though a group of private air carriers that were required to meet some fairly stringent standards.

Managers were paid $60-70,000 per year and the entire team of non-operational staff consisted of 6 managers and a similar number of admin. assistants. A year ago there were 200 operational staff and 200 administrative staff in ORNGE, with costs of approximately $170 Million. Yet the number of flights have not increased significantly. But with Senior Staff salaries ranging from $200,000 to $1.4 Million, the service has been turned into a scandal.

The most unfortunate aspect of the scandal is that the paramedics, pilots, flight followers, and other front line staff have been dragged down through poor leadership. The service needs to re-instill the pride of the work that they do day in and day out.

Lets start with getting rid of the name ORNGE and all of the connotations it has. Then it is time to demonstrate to the citizens of Ontario, though a concerted effort, the high quality service that they receive from the team of professional front line staff.

Lives continue to be saved and changed for the better every day because of the skill and efforts of these women and men who continue to labour under the shadow of this scandal.

http://www.thestar.com/topic/ornge

In

Prevent / disinfect mold after flooding

Flooding from storms can cause mold. Outside, mold decays leaves, contributing to soil enrichment. However, mold growing inside buildings can cause serious health risks. It is critical to disinfect and completely dry storm-impacted buildings.

When disinfecting with bleach:

• never use more than one cup bleach to one gallon water;
• never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaner;
• wear rubber boots, gloves, goggles and a mask;
• open windows and doors when weather permits.

Do not use fans; if mold already exists, it could spread.

Fix leaks in pipes and any damp areas around tubs and sinks.
Rebuild using water-resistant materials.
Prevent water seepage from outdoors by installing or reinforcing rain spouts.

The Comparison of Disasters

An interesting article comparing the Great Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 to other major disaster events.

Some facts about the event:

• Over a million homes destroyed or damaged.
• 15,800 dead and 3,300 missing
• Explosions in 3 nuclear reactors
• Estimated to take 30 years to contain nuclear reactors
• Close to 300,000 still in temporary shelter

Did you know that an earthquake in 1556 left 830,000 dead?

To read the article go to:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/10/japan-disaster-cost_n_1335250.html

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Camps

Back by demand, Emergency Management & Training is offering the Emergency Preparedness for Summer Camps seminar again in 2012.

The seminar is scheduled for April 28, 2012 in Barrie ON.

Early Bird Pricing saves $30. Register for only $95 now! Regular price is $125.

For more information go to:
http://www.emergencymgt.com/upcoming-seminars.html

UK adds Solar Storms and Volcanos to risks

As every municipality, province/state, and country should do, the UK has reassessed it's HIRA (hazard identification and risk analysis), adding solar storms and volcanos to their list of risks.

While solar storms do not pose a direct risk to people, it can disrupt power grids, satelites, radio transmission etc.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20120318/britain-volcanoes-solar-storms-20120318/

Nuclear Power Plants Aging

70% of the world's nuclear power plants are more than 30 years old raising concern about the maintenance of the plants.

While countries such as Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium move away nuclear power, countries such as India, China and Russia are increasing their nuclear power capacity.

We haven't seen the last of nuclear disasters...

http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1145304--older-nuclear-plants-pose-safety-challenge-iaea