Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Ontario Air Ambulance Program in 2017.
Ontario’s Air Ambulance program was formally established by the Ministry of Health in 1977, with a single helicopter named “Bandage One” based out of Toronto’s Buttonville Airport associated with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The program was expanded in 1981 to Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sudbury, and saw further expansion to Kenora, Moosonee, Ottawa and London in 1999.
In 2008, Ornge opened Critical Care Land bases in Ottawa, Peterborough and the Greater Toronto Area, including the Ted Rogers Paediatric Transport Team.
“We are proud to be a part of a program with such a long history as an integral part of the province’s healthcare system,” said Dr. Andrew McCallum, president and CEO of Ornge. “The program has evolved immensely over the past 40 years and has made a positive impact on many lives across the province. We look forward to the next 40 years and continuing to serve Ontario’s patients.”
A number of events are scheduled throughout the year to celebrate this milestone. Ontarians are encouraged to join Ornge as it celebrates at:
- Doors Open Toronto, May 27;
- Kenora Paramedic & Emergency Services Appreciation Event, May 28;
- Ontario Air Ambulance 40th Anniversary Golf Tournament, June 19;
- Canada Day at Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, July 1; and
- Sikorsky S-76 hull donation to Canada Aviation and Space Museum, TBD.
