Indigenous-led Emergency Response for Indigenous Communities

About the Program

Ornge’s Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) education program is designed to equip community-based responders with the skills and confidence to manage urgent medical situations until professional care arrives. Delivered under the oversight of Ornge, the program ensures consistency, safety, and quality through formal medical directives, robust quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI) processes, and a structured certification and recertification system. Participants receive culturally relevant, hands-on training tailored to the realities of remote and northern communities. This initiative marks a critical step toward empowering communities with responsive, resilient emergency care that is locally delivered and clinically supported.

The Regional Training Program (RTP) will transition to the EFRT Program on Oct 1, 2025.
 

Features of the EFRT Program
►	Paid responders overseen by a community coordinator
►	24/7/365 response capability
►	1 Truck + Pod per community and all equipment provided by Ornge
►	Record keeping and data collection
►	Indigenous and community-led
►	Support by Ornge

Program Goals

►	Delivering standardized training and re-certification
►	Providing medical oversight
►	Supporting training, equipment and response standards
►	Providing a truck + pod + stretcher to each community and supporting maintenance program
►	Supplying medical equipment and consumables, and supporting maintenance
►	Supporting community engagement and reporting
►	Conducting periodic comprehensive reviews, including quality assurance

   

Community Responsibilities

Staffing and Managing EFRTs The community will ensure adequate staffing to support EFRT activation when needed and will coordinate with Ornge to facilitate training opportunities for EFRT members.	Equipment and Supplies An up-to-date inventory of all equipment and supplies must be maintained to ensure readiness for response. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep all items in proper working condition and ready for use when needed.
Coordinating Local Logistics A designated phone number is available for local coordination and inquiries. The community will be responsible for storing the truck and equipment, along with any other logistical needs as required.	Records Management Accurate and up-to-date records must be maintained, including patient records, vehicle maintenance logs, and staffing documentation.
Vehicles At least one EFRT member must hold a valid G-class driver’s license to operate the vehicle. All vehicles must be properly licensed and insured, and undergo routine maintenance to ensure they remain in safe working condition. Additionally, a suitable storage space must be provided for the truck, including access to a block heater during colder months.	Reporting and Reviews All reporting must be completed in accordance with the Program Agreement. EFRTs are also expected to participate in regular program reviews.

Operational Teams

EFRT programs are currently operating in the following First Nations:
 

Overview of EFRT Scope of Practice

The full training program is ~40 hours covering basic first aid, CPR and medical directives. Re-certification occurs annually and takes ~3 days.

Ornge will deliver standardized First Aid and CPR Training and provide Medical Oversight to EFRTs.

News & Updates

Oct. 22, 2025: Wapekeka First Nation Launches Community-Led Emergency First Response Team Program
- Read More

Oct. 30, 2025: Weenusk First Nation Launches Community-Led Emergency First Response Team Program
- Read More

Dec. 2, 2025: Sachigo Lake First Nation Enhances Community Healthcare with New Emergency First Response Team
- Read More
 

Artist Statement

This artwork was created by Anishinaabe Artist Dwayne Wabegijig (Wikwemikong First Nation), whose work blends contemporary Woodland style with traditional teachings passed down through his father and mentors. Commissioned for the Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) initiative, the piece reflects the strength, responsibility, and unity shared among Indigenous responders and the communities they protect.

At the heart of the painting is the crane, representing the Crane Dodem (Clan), a symbol of leadership, clear voice, and guidance. The crane’s role as a protector and communicator mirrors the EFRT’s purpose: to stand watch, guide others, and respond with care in times of need.

The Star of Life, placed within the sun, provides a universal link to emergency medical care, ensuring the emblem is instantly recognized as a mark of help and healing. The Medicine Wheel border signifies balance, direction, and the four aspects of health: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, while also acknowledging the diversity and unity of First Nations across Ontario.

Surrounding the central symbols are trees, water, and sky, echoing the land-based teachings shared in community consultations. The trees speak to shelter, protection, and the sustenance of fire; the water symbolizes healing, renewal, and life; and the sun offers warmth, growth, and guidance. The bright, vivid colours, reminiscent of regalia and ceremony, celebrate resilience and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples and cultures across the province.

This piece was developed collaboratively, guided by interviews and feedback from community representatives and EFRT members. Each element, land, sky, medicine, and spirit, has been intentionally placed to ensure the design resonates widely while remaining deeply rooted in Anishinaabe visual language and values.

Dwayne Wabegijig
Anishinaabe Artist
Wikwemikong First Nation

Contact and Support

If you have a question or concern, please contact:

Jeffrey Gunner, Director, Emergency First Response Teams
jgunner@ornge.ca