Booking a Transport with Ornge?

If this is a Life or Limb Call, please contact CritiCall: 1-800-668-4357 (HELP).

  • Step 1: Obtain MT Number through the Provincial Transfer Access Centre (PTAC) 
    (Please note: Nursing Stations may skip this step)
  • Step 2: Contact our Operations Control Centre at 1.833.401.5577. Ornge Communications Officers are available 24/7.

How do I prepare?

Medical escorts are physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and/or other regulated health professionals who accompany and provide medical care to patients during transport. 

If a hospital medical escort is providing care to the patient in transport, the Most Responsible Physician (MRP) at the requesting hospital and the health care professional escorting the patient are responsible for all care provided to that patient in transport. Therefore, it is extremely important to consider the medications and equipment required for appropriate patient care. The Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) on the transport will provide support within their skill set as required. The PCP will also support the escort in the utilization of the existing monitoring equipment on the aircraft.

The PCP skillset is outlined in Ornge’s Clinical Practice Guidelines. You may view these guidelines for each level of care by downloading the Ornge: Clinical Practice app from the Apple App Store.

What do I need to bring on the transport?

To ensure the transport process is smooth and efficient, please ensure to bring the following items:

  • Credit card
  • Hospital identification
  • Health card
  • Hospital identification
  • Appropriate additional clothing
  • Passport (out-of-country transport)

Is there a checklist of items I need to complete prior to transport?

When traveling on a transport with Ornge, there are a number of items you will need to ensure:

  • Provide weight of escort(s) due to aircraft weight restrictions.
  • Prepare appropriate equipment, medication, and supplies as it relates to patient treatments or care and ensure all medical equipment is fully charged and charging cables are available if required (please reference the vehicle equipment and supply lists for Primary Care, Advanced Care and Critical Care).
  • Obtain a current report on the diagnosis and condition of the patient being transported.
  • Obtain any necessary medical records and documentation such as transfer letters, patient history, nursing and physician notes and diagnostic results.
  • Communicate limit of one small suitcase to family members.
  • Monitor and document patient condition and care rendered during the transfer.
  • Return all equipment and unused medication and supplies to the Sending Facility.

For out of Canada travel please ensure that the patient and any accompanying family members have:
  • passports or
  • if landed immigrants in Canada must have their passport from their original country and their landed immigration papers.

Who should I contact with questions?

Looking for more information? A Communications Officer is available 24/7 in our Operations Control Centre: 1.833.401.5577


What should I wear?

Ornge transports patients into all parts of Ontario. The climate and weather conditions at origin may be very different from what you find at the destination. Sometimes Ornge flights are diverted to a community where the weather is not as you may have expected. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions on the ground you are overflying, particularly in winter. If you experience a delay on the ground or if the aircraft becomes stranded in the wilderness, you’ll be glad you did.

What should I wear throughout the year?

Everyday clothes may be adequate on board the aircraft, but you need to be dressed appropriately for unanticipated or emergency landings. As a general rule, you should wear clothes appropriate for spending a significant amount of the day or night outdoors.

Throughout the year please ensure to:

  • Dress comfortably.
  • Wear closed-toe, nonslip footwear.

Please note: The Ornge Pilot in Command (PIC) has responsibility for the safety of those on board any may prevent someone from boarding the aircraft if the PIC feels his or her clothing is not appropriate for weather conditions.

Help us ensure your safety!  Dress appropriately for the season when flying with Ornge.

What should I wear during spring?

Everyday clothes may be adequate on board the aircraft, but you need to be dressed appropriately for unanticipated or emergency landings. As a general rule, you should wear clothes appropriate for spending a significant amount of the day or night outdoors.

In the spring, please ensure to:

  • Wear or carry a jacket for cool evenings

Please note: The Ornge Pilot in Command (PIC) has responsibility for the safety of those on board any may prevent someone from boarding the aircraft if the PIC feels his or her clothing is not appropriate for weather conditions.

Help us ensure your safety!  Dress appropriately for the season when flying with Ornge.

What should I wear during the winter?

Everyday clothes may be adequate on board the aircraft, but you need to be dressed appropriately for unanticipated or emergency landings. As a general rule, you should wear clothes appropriate for spending a significant amount of the day or night outdoors.

In the winter, please ensure to:

  • Wear a winter jacket and closed toe footwear appropriate for the season.
  • Winter boots are strongly encouraged.
  • Gloves/Mitts and toque
  • Winter clothing should be worn in layers so they can be added or removed as temperature changes.

Please note: The Ornge Pilot in Command (PIC) has responsibility for the safety of those on board any may prevent someone from boarding the aircraft if the PIC feels his or her clothing is not appropriate for weather conditions.

Help us ensure your safety!  Dress appropriately for the season when flying with Ornge.


Invoices and Reimbursements

At times, Medical Escorts need to file for Reimbursements. A Medical Escort Reimbursement form can be downloaded online, completed and submitted to finance-ap@ornge.ca, or to the address below:

ATTN: Accounts Payable

Ornge
5310 Explorer Drive,
Mississauga, ON L4W 5H8

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