News release: June 27, 2022
Peel Regional Paramedic Services launches Volunteer Community Responder pilot project
Brampton, ON - (June 27, 2022) – To increase access to life-saving AEDs (automated external defibrillators), Peel Regional Paramedic Services has launched a 5-year pilot project, in partnership with Sunnybrook Hospital, which sends citizens to help cardiac arrest patients in the minutes before paramedics arrive.
The Volunteer Community Responder pilot project uses a mobile app. to alert volunteers when a cardiac arrest is taking place nearby. If a volunteer is free to help, they may be able to start chest compressions or use an AED in the crucial minutes before paramedics arrive. All volunteers are trained in CPR and AED-use. Some are provided with an AED. All volunteers carry ID.
We want residents to know that if they call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, the first person to show up may actually be their neighbour or someone passing by. By connecting people willing to help with people who need help, we’re interested to see if we can make Peel a safer and healthier place to live.
Paramedic Chief Peter Dundas
When someone in cardiac arrest gets early CPR and defibrillation, their chance of survival can increase by up to 70%.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services is looking for more people to join the 78 volunteers participating in the pilot project. Anyone 18 years and older who is currently certified in First Aid and CPR can apply online.
Learn how the Volunteer Community Responder pilot program works.
Peel Regional Paramedics Services responds to more than 140, 000 emergency medical calls per year. For more information refer to Peel Regional Paramedic Services.
Media contacts
Paul Snobelen
Community Safety Programs Specialist
Region of Peel
289-541-8281
Monica Misra-Lui
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
289-541-6488
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.
