The province announced it's investing in a new fleet of Ornge Air Ambulances.
The current fleet of fixed wing Ornge Air Ambulances were purchased between 2009 and 2010, and they are going to be replaced with new, state-of-the-art aircraft which will help to better serve rural communities and ensure they can get fast emergency access to healthcare. The new aircraft, which are fixed wing planes rather than the more common Ornge helicopters, will play a key role in ensuring crew and patient safety while providing patients with continued and timely access to emergency health care, including for Indigenous communities and northern and remote regions of the province.
With the purchase of eight new planes to replace the current fleet, training can begin for paramedics, pilots, and aviation mechanics. The provincial government has not specified how much the new fleet will cost.
“We are investing historic amounts to ensure every Ontarian can access urgent health care services regardless of where they live,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement is more proof that no part of the province will be left behind as we build Ontario for the future.”
“Investing in a new Ornge fleet will ensure Ontarians continue to have the best care, no matter where they live in the province,” added Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These new state-of-the art aircraft are one more way we are providing people quicker access to urgent care, especially in rural and remote parts of the province.”