Running Head: ONTARIO PARAMEDIC ASSOCIATION: PROJECT 1 1

Ontario Paramedic Association: Project 1

Emily Steger

COMP 1703

October 8, 2018

Ronald Simpson
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 2

About Us ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Code of Ethics ................................................................................................................................. 4
Privacy ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5
Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 5
What Information We Collect ..................................................................................................... 5
How We Use The Information .................................................................................................... 6
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................... 7
References ....................................................................................................................................... 8
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About Us

Early in 1995, a steering committee of Paramedics began the ambitious task of creating a

legal and administrative structure for the Ontario Paramedic Association. This professional

association is a registered 'not for profit' organization representing Paramedics across the

province. We are not a labour union and membership is always a choice.

Since its formation, the OPA has worked to enhance the professional image of

paramedics, to improve communications between paramedics, and to lobby for improvements to

the standards of patient care (Steger, 2017). Some of the initiatives include the “OPA Queen's

Park Lobby Days", “Send the Pros Campaign", and regular participation on provincial and

national EMS committees (Smith & Sparrow, 2018).

The 'OPA News' is a bi-monthly newsletter published in Canadian Emergency News magazine

and is sent to all members as part of their membership package.

In 2001, the OPA held its first provincial conference focusing on education & networking

for paramedics. The OPA's 'Para-medicine' conferences have grown to become one of the

premier Paramedic education conferences in Canada (Steger, 2017).

The OPA has expanded its social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Here, the OPA website features a variety of informational pages for the general public,

paramedics, and of course, our members (Smith & Sparrow, 2018). The website also includes a

“store" where memberships, conference registrations and promotional materials may be

purchased, as well as a forum area for members to share ideas, consult fellow paramedics,

provide direction to the OPA Executive, and network.

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Code of Ethics

The practice of Para-medicine requires knowledge and compassion, along with concern

and sensitivity for the wellbeing of the patient. In keeping with this philosophy, every Paramedic

shall:

 Maintain certification with their respective ambulance services and the governing base

hospital(s).

 Conserve life, alleviate pain and suffering and promote health.

 Provide care based on human need with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by

consideration of nationality, race, creed, color, status, sex, religion, sexual orientation,

type of illness, or mental or physical disability.

 Without fail, protect and maintain the patient's safety, dignity and privacy.

 Preserve and protect the confidentiality of any information, either medical or personal,

acquired through professional contact with a patient, except where the disclosure of such

information is necessary to the treatment of the patient and the safety of other health care

professionals or is required by the employer or the law.

 Not use professional knowledge, skills, equipment or pharmaceuticals in any enterprise

detrimental to the profession or the public wellbeing.

 During the performance of her/his duties he or she will conduct themselves in a manner

that will reflect credit upon the profession

 Encourage the trust and confidence of the public through high standards of professional

practice, conduct, competence and appearance.

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Privacy

Introduction

The Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) respects your right to privacy as you visit our

website.

We are committed to protecting privacy and confidentiality of your information. The

following policy governs the OPA's practices with respect to information obtained through this

website.

Scope

This policy applies only to this website (http://www.ontarioparamedic.ca). It does not

cover the practices of other organizations or their websites, including those you may access

through the links provided on the OPA's homepage.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of all websites you visit, especially if you provide

any personal information.

What Information We Collect

When you visit our website, we automatically collect some limited information. This is

not personal information and cannot directly identify a specific person. For example, we track

the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses or browser type of users who access our website. This is

necessary for the operation and security of our website.

At times, you may choose to give us your personal information. For example, we collect

your email address when you ask questions through info@ontarioparamedic.ca. This information

is provided only to staff and/or Directors who need it to respond to your request. Other personal

information collected during the membership registration process is for the OPA's internal use
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for statistical purposes and to provide you with member services (such as mailing you your

membership initiation package and copy of Canadian Para-medicine magazine).

We may also use this website to conduct electronic consultations in which individuals or

organizations are invited to provide comments. If you send comments to us via the website, we

will collect your comments and your contact details for the purposes of the consultation

concerned. If you do not wish us to collect and use your comments in this way, please do not

forward them.

In addition, we analyze non-identifiable website traffic data and collect cookies to

improve our services. A “cookie"• is a piece of text that our webserver can store on your

computer. The cookies we use log your progress through the site and record how you accessed

the site. They do not collect any personal information about you or about any other use of your

computer.

There are no persistent or third party site cookies such as banner ad tracking cookies on

our website.

If you simply browse or download from our website, we do not collect any personal

information.

How We Use The Information

We only use your personal information for the purposes for which you give it to us. We keep the

information for only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it is collected.

We do not share your personal information with other organizations or individuals unless:

 It is necessary to fulfill your request

 It is required or authorized by law

 It will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to somebody's health or safety.
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Disclaimer

Although we make every effort to ensure that all information posted on our website is

accurate and complete, we do not represent that it is so, or guarantee it, and accept no liability or

obligation for accuracy or completeness. We reserve the right to update the information as

necessary without notice. You should check the website from time to time for changes. If there is

any discrepancy between information posted on our website and the original paper version, the

original paper document prevails. As this website is for information purposes only, you should

seek appropriate, qualified advice before acting or omitting to act based upon any such

information.
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References

Smith, V. L., & Sparrow, N. J. (2018). Paramedics: The Best of the Best. Medicine Monthly, 25-
50.
Steger, E. R. (2017). All About Paramedics. Oshawa: ACME Ltd.