"Any time we have a code zero event, it's a concern," said paramedic service deputy chief Russell Crocker. That number dropped down to 44 in 2015, but it has been creeping back up ever since. In 2013, there were 242 code zeroes in Hamilton. A resurgent problemĬode zero incidents were even more common a few years ago. "We can't rely on neighbouring services to bail us out," he said. In recent weeks, paramedics from Niagara, Halton and Brantford have all been working in Hamilton at the city's expense, Posteraro said. When there are no local ambulances available, crews are brought in from other cities. The situation is really taking a toll on EMS workers, Posteraro says, who are extending shifts and missing meal breaks just to make sure ambulances are on the roads. Mario Posteraro, president of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 256 If we don't properly fund the Hamilton Paramedic Service, we're going to be a third-rate, banana republic ambulance service. That number doesn't include two possible code zeroes from Monday, which haven't yet been fully validated by Hamilton paramedics.
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