News Release: April 5, 2020
Peel Paramedic tests positive for COVID-19
Brampton, ON (April 5, 2020) – A Peel paramedic has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus while at work. The paramedic is in isolation at home. The exposure happened when the paramedic and their partner responded to a motor vehicle collision. They followed all procedures as the patient was transported to hospital.
Both paramedics were put in isolation and no other patients, paramedics or staff were exposed. Only one of the paramedics has tested positive and shown symptoms.
"Thankfully, our paramedic is OK right now," said Peter Dundas, Chief of Peel Paramedics. "At the time of the call, the medical direction was to only use PPE on calls dispatched with a positive COVID-19 screen. Last week, we took extra steps to protect our teams and they now wear masks and eye protection, in addition to gloves, for all calls."
Peel Paramedics has also taken several steps to protect paramedics from exposure to COVID-19 while on calls. This includes asking bystanders and family members to leave the treatment area or provide them with a mask if they need to be there. In addition, no family members can be transported in the ambulance with a patient, unless they are an unaccompanied minor, and no bags or personal belongings from the patient are allowed inside.
Peel Paramedics serves the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon, and responds to more than 142,000 9-1-1 calls every year.
Media contacts
Janet Eagleson
Communications Manager
Region of Peel
Tel: 647-221-4127
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
