Simcoe County Paramedics of OPSEU Local 303

22/10/2026

I am showing another cancer story from a Paramedic in Ontario. Don is just one of many Paramedics whose career pushed him into a cancer diagnosis.

We appreciate everyone’s support and kind words as we share these videos. What we REALLY NEED YOU to do is take 1 minute and go through the steps of letting the Minister of Labour know that Ontario really needs to support its Paramedics with this Presumptive Legislation. It is way easier than you think and steps will be posted in the comments. Then also share this post.

Please take the time to do this. Do it as a thank you to a Paramedic who has helped you or a loved one.

After starting training as a firefighter, Don Black pivoted to para...

20/10/2026

This share is another one of the Paramedics who have served Simcoe County for decades.

Please take the time to watch Tim’s story so you can better understand how being a Paramedic puts you at a greater risk to be diagnosed with cancer.

Please share this story with everyone you know. Paramedics need you support. Take the two minutes and click opseu.org/pcl and send a letter to the Minister of Labour.

We truly appreciate every minute you of support you are giving.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Jhnl-1SEDws?si=i4JwJtf-1Pprmk-J

From car accidents to water rescues, Tim Alexander has been exposed...

16/10/2026

Here is yet another story from a Paramedic who was diagnosed with Cancer.

Please watch David’s story. Then please click on this link and send a letter to the Minister of Labour in support of Presumptive Legislation for certain cancers that Paramedics are at a higher risk of getting - https://opseu.org/sectors/health-care/ambulance/pcl/

Your support is appreciated and needed.

https://youtu.be/5xIUc2VN7bg

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

15/10/2026

Study by Queen’s University researchers investigated mental wellness and organizational experiences of public safety personnel (PSP) like border services officers, communicators, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers in Ontario.

Megan Edgelow, lead author of this study, says that the psychosocial hazards of public safety work are not being prevented and managed and that the workforce is ""absorbing harm.

Excessive workloads, bullying, inadequate resources to do the work, and role conflict are among hazards in need of addressing.

They also mentioned mixed perceptions of relevance in mental health training where they feel educational resources and training efforts were simply “tick box” exercises. Critically, many who wanted training expressed a desire for in-person group training.

Mental health programs offered by the WHSC can help. We focus on strategies to prevent the many psychosocial hazards negatively impacting the mental health of all workers including PSP. Learn more. https://ow.ly/oMJZ50ZSOvU

15/10/2026

Two units. Only one has full time staff.

The Paramedic Response Unit responds to emergencies when the Ambulance is already on a 911 call. Because it relies on casual paramedics, it isn't on the road every day. Its 2 full time jobs have sat open for 16 months. That's 20% of our full time staffing. A competetive and fair deal helps keep paramedics in Rama.

Fill the jobs. Staff the unit every day. Better emergency coverage for our community.

15/10/2026

Always a good feeling when you arrive at your station to see a beautiful rainbow! Helps heal from doing those difficult calls.

Always take the time to enjoy the beauty around you and reset.



Photo credit - Cara Spearin

14/10/2026

Here is another Ontario Paramedic sharing his story about his fight with cancer…..

You know what to do, keep sharing and talking about it.



https://www.instagram.com/reel/DefaCNIBAUU/?rpxt=MXYzNnhtemZyZ2RvdQ==

14/10/2026

You have seen a couple of the videos that have been posted about Presumptive Illness Legislation for Paramedics when it comes to certain cancers. This is a provincial push as Paramedics across Ontario are seeing the negative effects of our work and seeing the higher cancer rates.

We appreciate everyone who has shared (with some more to come) and we appreciate all of you who have watched these videos. We hope that you have also gone to this link (opseu.org/pcl) and sent the letter to the MPP’s so they know the community support we have for this legislation.

Please take the time to share with all friends and family these posts and encourage everyone to hit that link. Ontario Paramedics need your support now more than ever. We are adding a couple information sheets so you can see the research if desired.

Thank you for your continued support for Paramedics.

12/10/2026

Please take the time to watch this video of Dave. Paramedics continue to have deal with cancer at a higher rate than the general public and we need your help to get presumptive legislation so they can be taken care. Paramedics spend their entire careers helping people and now they are requesting YOUR help.

Click on the link (opseu.org/pcl) and send a letter to appropriate MPP’s and help the Paramedics that are always there ready to help you in your time of need.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/10/2026

A huge shoutout and thank you to Maverick's Donuts, Barrie 🍩💛

Working over the Thanksgiving long weekend can be tough, but your incredible kindness and generosity made our hardworking crews feel so loved (and absolutely full of sugar!). We appreciate you always going above and beyond to support our frontline workers.

Your amazing donuts brought so many smiles to our shift! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at OPSEU Local 303! 🍂👮‍♂️🚑👩‍🚒