Recognizing ‘skill, compassion’ of paramedics

York Region will once again celebrate Paramedic Services Week, which recognizes the critical role paramedics play across Canada caring for people in their communities.

“Paramedic Services Week 2026 provides a meaningful moment to recognize the skill, compassion and dedication York Region paramedics demonstrate every day,” Commissioner of Community and Health Services Lisa Gonsalves says in a memo to Regional Council. “Their commitment to exceptional patient care and community service continues to strengthen the health and safety of residents across the Region.”

Paramedic Services Week takes place May 17 to 24. Each year, Paramedic Chiefs of Canada sets a theme to bring awareness to paramedicine and help guide initiatives for the week. This year’s theme is ‘Improving Outcomes, Together.’

York Region Paramedic Services will co-host a Family Fun Day in partnership with York Region Public Works on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are invited to attend this free event at York Region Public Works Operations Centre and Paramedic Services Headquarters at 80 and 90 Bales Dr. E. in East Gwillimbury. The event will have activities for children and families and spotlight important services that keep the Region’s communities operating smoothly, including roads, transit, water, recycling, forest conservation and first responders.

Paramedic Services continue to make key advancements in clinical care and service delivery, the Region reports. That includes improving cardiac care with upgraded CPR and defibrillator protocols and strengthening community readiness with tracked public automated external defibrillator locations and coordination with 911 dispatchers.

The Region and Town of Stouffville broke ground on a new 18,500-square-foot Fire and Paramedic Response Station at 4902 Aurora Rd. in Ballantrae to enhance emergency response times. The first cohort of the Region’s Accredited Advanced Care Paramedic Program graduated in 2025, enhancing their assessment, treatment and referral skills to support safe, evidence-informed care while reducing emergency department visits.

File photo of a York Region ambulance in Markham.