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Paramedic Services launches enhanced Driver Training Program

September 25, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

County of Simcoe Paramedic Services has unveiled its Paramedic Driving Enhancement Program.

This is a new initiative aimed at strengthening the driving skills of paramedics.

The advanced training program is designed to elevate driver proficiency and ultimately enhance road safety across the region.

“Our paramedic vehicles travel an average of 3.8 million kilometers per year, often in heightened situations when seconds matter,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This innovative initiative sets a new standard for operational excellence and safety, not just for our staff, but for the communities we serve.”

Developed in partnership with the Canada Safety Council and Hamilton Paramedic Services, PDEP delivers targeted instruction tailored to the unique driving conditions faced by paramedics.

The program includes five hours of classroom education and two hours of supervised, in-vehicle training, followed by a graduated driving matrix that ensures new recruits are assessed and signed off before transporting patients independently.

“We’re very excited to partner with the Canada Safety Council and Hamilton Paramedic Services to offer this first-of-its-kind program to our staff,” added Sarah Mills, director and chief of County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. “This program isn’t just about training drivers; it’s about expanding our culture of safety to ensure our team has the training they need to provide the highest level of care to our communities.”

There are several key features of the program. They include instruction by CSPS Platoon Supervisors certified through the Canada Safety Council and Infrastructure Health and Safety Association; access to closed training zones at Canadian Forces Base Borden for realistic, hands-on learning, and proactive training for high-risk staff; and future expansion to all operational personnel.

The program also features advocacy for province-wide adoption through collaboration with the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs.

CSPS is also working with the Safety Council of Canada to develop a standardized driver safety curriculum for paramedic colleges across Ontario. 

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