This morning at our 2026 CP Expo, we explored how community paramedicine fits into primary care, covering integration & workflows, CPs as embedded partners in care homes & rural models that bring primary care directly to patients through mobile, community-based teams.#OCPKEE
REPORTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PARAMEDICS CONTINUE TO RISE: DATA
TIMMINS - Reports of violence against paramedics in the Cochrane District continue to rise, with physical assaults in the first five months of 2026 already surpassing all of last year’s total.
Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) data show that 28 violence-related incidents have been reported through the External Violence Incident Reporting (EVIR) system since structured reporting started.
Those incidents include nine physical assaults, 18 cases of verbal abuse, three reports of sexual harassment, and two complaints of intimidation. One paramedic injury was also reported.
The report shared at the May 21 CDSB meeting also identified a weapon-related safety concern in March and an incident in April where a paramedic needed medical assessment after being assaulted.
Last month, the board learned that two people were charged in separate incidents involving assaults on paramedics who were responding to emergency calls. Since then, one more person has been charged.
TimminsToday asked CDSB where the charges were laid, but did not receive a response before publication.
Paramedic service chief Marc Renaud said the numbers show both ongoing safety concerns and a change in workplace culture that now encourages staff to report incidents that might have been documented before.
“Overall, the report reinforces that violence toward paramedics is not acceptable, and CDPS (Cochrane District Paramedic Service) will continue to promote reporting for staff for their safety, for public awareness, and for accountability,” he told board members.
Since CDSB started formally tracking in September 2024, reports have continued to rise.
CDPS recorded two incidents from September to December 2024, then 10 incidents in all of 2025. By May 6 of this year, 16 incidents had already been reported.
Physical assaults have increased, from one reported in all of 2025 to eight in the first five months of 2026.
Renaud explained that paramedics have emergency alert systems in their radios that instantly notify dispatch and police if crews are in danger.
“Our portable radios do have panic buttons that immediately sound an alarm at our dispatch centre, and it stops all transmissions, and the police are notified that it's an urgent call for them,” he said.
The service has also put up warning posters inside ambulances to let people know that abusive behaviour toward paramedics could lead to charges. They are now looking into a wider public awareness campaign.
“We're also going to start working on a public awareness campaign,” Renaud said. “I don't think we did a great job of that when we started this program a few years back.”
According to the report, incidents have occurred in multiple settings, including on scene, during patient transport and inside hospitals.
The report also notes that partnerships with the Timmins Police Service and the OPP have grown stronger as concerns have increased.
By: Marissa Lentz-McGrath
TIMMINS TODAY
@TSN_Sports@OverDrive1050 Kelly McCrimmon is doing a masterclass in deflecting any heat off his players. He’s creating a side story with the Cassidy drama. The Toronto/Marner drama. The Torts drama. Taking the heat and focus from the media so his players don’t have to. I hate him. Lol. @yegsportstalk
And if you are struggling, please reach out to someone or call 9-8-8.
We’re all imperfect, we all need help. Nothing is as it seems.
��I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief’
-C.S Lewis
BREAKING: Doug Ford’s luxury jet cost taxpayers nearly $200,000 in additional fees.
He told us there were no additional costs for returning it.
He lied.
While Ontarians can’t afford groceries or rent, Ford is living like a rockstar on your dime.
Shoutout to Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen, who consistently showed up all season with their work ethic and relentless effort whenever they were on the ice.
@EdmontonOilers Fire this coaching staff please. We poor people care. We poor people spend our money on tickets, gear and line your GD pockets. You keep fuking us with increased merch prices, ticket prices, food, beer, concession prices. Wake the fuk up. Hire an experienced coach and goalie
@jsbmbaggedmilk I’m not saying the oilers didn’t deserve some of those penalties. But the ducks have gotten away with similar calls. The standard is not equal for both teams. It’s very noticeable.
@jsbmbaggedmilk I’ve got an idea. Let’s put an offensive guy that plays a ton 5v5 and on the PP on for the PK. Oh and the kicker. He doesn’t play defence that well 5v5 either. Wear him right out. Oh and he’s hurt too…..#fireKnob
@oilersdailyy Our top coach needs to stop riding our top guys. Stop playing McDavid on the PK. Get some other players out there in different situations to get their legs going and confidence up.