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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 29, 2015 | 10 Halton's aging population to boost need for paramedics by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff Halton's aging population will have a dramatic impact on the region's paramedic requirements over the next decade and beyond, according to a report presented last week to Halton's Health Services committee. At least another six, 24-hour ambulances will be needed, based on the findings of a consultant's report examining the Region's needs between now and 2025. Currently, 19 ambulances are staffed between 8 a.m.-11 p.m. -- the busiest periods -- decreasing to 12 ambulances after 11 p.m. Committee members recommended Regional Need To Sell An Older Home? Call Us First! MA XIMIZE YOUR SELLING PRICE WITH E A SY TRIED & TRUE SOLUTIONS Often, the right inexpensive changes can make all the difference. Let us show you how! · Learn which reno's are the most profitable! · Avoid wasting your time & money. · 16+ years of experience. · 100's of homes sold. Dr. Hamidah Meghani council adopt the Paramedic Services 10-Year Master Plan -- a strategic blueprint for the next decade following the successful implementation of its earlier 10-year plan from 2005-15. Council did just that when it met Wednesday (May 27). The master plan outlines the anticipated pressures that paramedic services are expected to face over the next 10 years, as well as the paramedic, administrative, technology and physical resources that are needed to deal with these pressures. B O O K A F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N Cory Martin BROKER Glenn Martin BROKER OF RECORD 905-334-9195 MARTIN GROUP An additional, 24 ambulance/Emergency Response Unit (ERU) vehicles, requiring 18 defibrillators and 84 paramedics and superintendents, as well as 16 additional support staff, will be needed over the next decade, according to the master plan developed by consultant Pomax. Financing will be included in the 2016 budget. It's expected the expansion will require $15 million in capital funding, $10.6 million of which will be needed within the next five years. Capital requirements would be funded through a combination of Regional reserves, debt and development charges. These funds will provide vehicles/ defibrillators, technological requirements, and a central reporting station. While Halton's population is expected to increase by 27 per cent between now and 2025, the region's population, older than age 65, is anticipated to rise by 43 per cent, according to a report, based on the consultant's findings, presented by Hamidah Meghani, the Region's Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health. It's estimated Halton's senior population will double over the next 20 years -- to more than 127,000 by the year 2031. Pomax suggests this increase in the number of seniors will cause significant pressures on the paramedic services because older adults generally utilize paramedic services at a higher rate than see Need on p.12 LEISURE CENTRE bOOK SuMMER YOuR POOL INStALLS StILL OPENING AvAILAbLE! tODAY! BACK YARD SPECIALISTS AWESOME LINER PROFESSIONALS! 5430 HARVESTER RD., BURLINGTON 905-631-0837 · 905-389-6610 www.foxpoolandspalc.ca · www.lazboyspas.com Authorized Dealer of lazboyspas.com