A remote First Nation in northwestern Ontario has a new program aimed at supporting community safety.
Wapekeka First Nation has announced the launch of its new community-led Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) program.
The program will feature a paid team of trained emergency first responders, equipped to handle urgent medical situations within the community.
Responders will utilize a new transport-capable vehicle and essential medical equipment, while undergoing ongoing training and oversight provided by Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services.
“This is an important development for Wapekeka,” says Chief Brennan Sainnawap. “By leading our own emergency response efforts, we are taking meaningful action to protect the health and well-being of our people.”
All training for the program is being delivered by Ornge, which assumed responsibility for the Regional Training Coordinator program, which supports Indigenous-led EFRTs in primarily Northern Ontario First Nations communities, earlier this month.
The training program is being supported by a $10 million investment from the Ontario government.
“We’re proud to support Wapekeka’s Emergency First Response Team and look forward to seeing similar programs thrive in other communities,” said Ornge’s Director of Emergency First Response Teams, Jeff Gunner.
“Available 24/7, 365 days a year, these community-led teams will be ready to respond quickly to local emergencies.”
The EFRT education program is designed to empower community-based responders with the skills and confidence to manage medical emergencies until professional care arrives.
Training will be culturally relevant and hands-on, tailored to the unique realities of remote and northern communities.
The program also includes support for records management and data collection.
