HALTON EVENT MEDICAL SERVICES
First-aid & Emergency Medical Coverage
(a) General FAQ's:
1. Does Halton Event Medical Services (HEMS) only serve the Halton Region?
No. One of the most common questions we receive is whether we only provide services within the Halton Region. While Halton is our base of operations, we service much of Southern and Central Ontario, including the GTA and surrounding communities. We pride ourselves on being a reliable and accessible resource for both local residents and the broader industry.
2. How do you determine how many responders and at what level are required for an event?
The number and level of responders required is based on our in-house risk assessments as well as any mandates outlined in event permits. We consider factors such as the number of attendees, the type of event, location, proximity to additional 911 resources, and the level of risk involved in event activities. We will not provide fewer responders than we deem necessary to ensure safety and minimize liability for both you and HEMS.
3. Do HEMS staff require a minimum level of training or certification?
Yes. Our team comes from diverse first-response backgrounds, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and other emergency professionals. We believe in the value of experience, so all our paid staff are individuals who regularly handle medical emergencies. Volunteers may assist at larger events but always in addition to paid responders. The minimum requirement for all team members is Emergency Medical Responder and/or Primary Care Paramedic certification, or equivalent experience in an emergency field. All staff must be certified in CPR HCP/BLS and be proficient in providing Basic Life Support.
4. How do you ensure the safety and well-being of attendees at events?
We conduct thorough risk assessments before each event and deploy appropriately trained medical personnel equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. In addition, we make sure to establish a clear rescue plan and involve property owners, event organizers, and local and government agencies before an event start to ensure a smooth and efficient response should any emergencies arrive on the day of. We do this free of charge and as a part of every event we serve.
(b) Service-Specific FAQ's:
5. Can HEMS provide medical services for high-risk events, such as extreme sports?
Yes. We are experienced in providing medical coverage for high-risk events. We conduct a detailed risk assessment and tailor our medical team and equipment to the specific needs of the event.
6. Do you offer standby ambulances
for events?
Yes & No. We offer standby ambulance type vehicles for events however our vehicles are not ambulances that are a part of the 911 system and operate exclusively of public paramedic services. Our vehicles (ambulances by design) are equipped for basic life support (BLS) and staffed by certified responders. We voluntarily carry most, if not all, of the BLS Equipment as outlined in the Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services Document Version 3.7 (2023) and we pride ourselves on being one of the most equipped event medical service providers in the province. We carry advanced monitoring and resuscitation equipment that is well above the industry standard, and staff our events with trained personnel who are certified to use it.
7. Can HEMS staff administer medications at events?
Yes. Our trained professionals are authorized to administer a range of medications, including pain relief, antihistamines, and a variety of other symptom relief or emergency medications.
NOTE: We do not carry Hallucinogenics, Narcotics, Opiates, or other forms of heavy pain relief medication. This is for the safety of both ourselves and the public.
8. What equipment do you carry on-site?
We carry a full range of medical equipment, including defibrillators, oxygen therapy, spinal immobilization devices, advanced airway management tools, and a comprehensive set of medications to handle various medical emergencies.
NOTE: We do not carry Hallucinogenics, Narcotics, Opiates, or other forms of heavy pain relief medication. This is for the safety of both ourselves and the public.
(c) Booking and Logistics FAQs:
9. How much do your services cost?
The cost of our services is based on several factors, including the number of staff required, scope of care and equipment needed, risk level, and additional resources or planning necessary. We strive to be a financially accessible resource for all and will work with you to develop a budget and service plan that fits your needs. For a formal quote, please visit our “Book Now” page and provide the necessary details.
10. How far in advance should we book your services?
We recommend booking as early as possible, preferably several months in advance for large events. We understand that last-minute arrangements may be necessary, and we will do our best to accommodate such requests.
11. What information do you need to provide a quote?
To provide an accurate quote, we need details about your event, including the location, dates and times, expected participation & attendance, type of event/activity, and any other specific medical coverage requirements or requests from your end. If you would like a quote, please visit our "Book Now" Webpage here.
12. What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy depends on the terms agreed upon at the time of booking. Generally, we require notice of cancellation at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. We may choose to make exceptions to this depending on the amount of staff we booked for your event, and the circumstances around your cancellation (such as weather or emergent circumstances) but cannot guarantee that a cancellation fee will not be applied.
(d) Emergency and Incident FAQ's:
13. Do you keep medical and incident records?
Yes. We maintain detailed patient care and incident records for a minimum of 10 years. We are unable to share confidential patient information as it is protected under PHIPA and PIPEDA laws. We can, however, provide general incident information and acknowledge that treatment has been rendered without compromising patient confidentiality. For further information, please contact Legal@haltoneventmedical.ca.
14. I was treated by HEMS and require a copy of my patient care report. Can I get this?
Yes. To obtain a copy of your patient care report, you must verify your identity with government-issued photo ID and provide proof of residency. Once verified and the processing fee is paid, we will send a copy of your records to your registered address within 14 business days. For more details, please contact Legal@haltoneventmedical.ca.
15. I hired HEMS and someone required medical attention. Will I receive copies of the reports?
Yes & No. We typically provide a detailed Client/Incident Report for any moderate to severe injury or illness within 48-72 hours. However, we cannot provide a copy of the Patient Care Report, as it contains confidential patient information protected under PHIPA and PIPEDA laws. We can share information on “what happened and to whom” and “how it was handled,” but personal and medical details such as date of birth, address, and medications cannot be shared.
(e) Patient Transfer Services FAQ's:
16. What areas do you serve for patient transfers?
We primarily serve Halton Hills and surrounding area. However, we are also able to accommodate patient transfers throughout Southern and Central Ontario on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss your specific location needs and we will try to accommodate your request. We do not currently service the Simcoe, Kawartha, or Muskoka districts. Please reach out to Aegis Healthcare Solutions if you are looking for transfer services within this area.
17. What types of patient transfers do you provide?
We specialize in non-emergency, stretcher-bound patient transfers, including hospital discharges, transfers to long-term care facilities, appointments, bed-to-bed transfers, and private residence relocations. We do not currently offer wheelchair transport services and can only transport patients via stretcher.
18. What medical equipment and capabilities do you provide during transfers?
Our transfer ambulances are equipped with comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment, including oxygen, patient resuscitation tools, advanced airway management devices, and monitoring capabilities such as pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO₂ monitoring, heart rate, and three- to five-lead ECG. We can also provide 12-lead ECG capabilities upon request.
19. Who will be accompanying the patient during the transfer?
Our team includes trained paramedics, emergency medical responders, and other healthcare experts with extensive experience in patient care and emergency response. They are equipped to handle medical situations that may arise during the transfer, ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort.
20. How much do patient transfer services cost?
Our pricing is based on the distance of the transfer, the level of care required, and any additional needs such as specialized equipment or personnel. We strive to offer competitive rates and are committed to providing accessible and affordable services for our communities. For an accurate quote, please contact us with the details of your transfer needs.
21. How far in advance should I book a patient transfer?
We recommend booking patient transfers at least 24-48 hours in advance to ensure availability and proper planning. However, we understand that urgent situations may arise, and we will do our best to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.
22. Can family members or caregivers accompany the patient during the transfer?
Yes, we allow family members or caregivers to accompany the patient during the transfer, subject to space availability and safety considerations. Please let us know in advance if an additional person will be traveling with the patient.
23. What are the COVID-19 protocols for patient transfers?
We follow strict infection control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), vehicle disinfection between transfers, and health screenings for both patients and staff. We also accommodate transfers for COVID-19-positive patients with enhanced safety measures in place.
24. What happens if the patient’s condition changes during the transfer?
Our trained medical staff are equipped to manage medical emergencies during the transfer. If a patient’s condition deteriorates, our team will provide immediate care and, if necessary, divert to the nearest hospital or coordinate with local emergency services for additional resources and support.
25. Can you provide transfers for patients with complex medical needs?
Yes, we are equipped to handle patients with complex medical needs, including those requiring continuous monitoring or specialized medical equipment. Please discuss the patient’s specific needs with us beforehand so we can verify and prepare appropriately.
26. Do you offer long-distance patient transfers?
Yes, we offer long-distance patient transfers within Ontario. For transfers outside of our regular service area, please contact us to discuss the specifics, and we will work to accommodate your request.
NOTE: We do not offer out of country transfer services at this time.
27. What is your cancellation policy for patient transfers?
We understand that plans can change unexpectedly. We require a minimum of 12 hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid a cancellation fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule a transfer. We may choose to make exceptions to this depending on the amount of staff we booked for your transfer, and the circumstances around your cancellation (such as weather or emergent circumstances) but cannot guarantee that a cancellation fee will not be applied.
28. How can I book a patient transfer?
You can book us by submitting a booking form here or by contacting us directly via phone or email.
Patient Transfer Contact Info:
Phone: 647-232-8809
Email: Transfer@HaltonEventMedical.ca
Please be prepared to provide the patients first and last name, details about the patient’s condition, accurate weight, pickup & drop-off locations , preferred transfer date and time, and any special requirements for pickup, transport, and drop off.
29. Can I claim patient transfer services through my benefits or health insurance?
Coverage for non-emergency patient transfers varies depending on the insurance provider and policy. We recommend checking with your insurance company to determine if our services are covered. We can provide detailed invoices and documentation for insurance claims if needed.
30. Do you provide any community-based or reduced-cost transfer services?
Yes, we are committed to giving back to the community and may offer reduced-cost or special consideration transfers for unique situations, such as "Last Wish" type transports. Please contact us to discuss any special requests or needs.