With the installation of a new digital sign for education and information-sharing, the Hagersville Firefighters Association is continuing its long tradition of active engagement with the community and supporting local activities for the benefit of residents and visitors.

The Hagersville Emergency Services Station #2 (Fire and Paramedic) was constructed in 2017, and plays a central role in the community through its provision of essential fire and paramedic services. In 2019, the Association proposed a digital sign at the roadway as the final capital installation for the Station.

“This is a great enhancement to the Fire and EMS Station,” says local Councillor, Tony Dalimonte. “I was happy to support the digital sign project with Community Vibrancy Fund monies, as the Hagersville Firefighters Association is a hard-working volunteer group, and this new asset will allow the members to share important information with the community more quickly.”

Haldimand-Norfolk Housing and Homelessness Prevention services has teamed up with the community paramedic programs in both Haldimand and Norfolk to provide street outreach and housing-related follow-up support to assist people who are experiencing homelessness. 

A new collaboration between community paramedics in both counties and specialized outreach workers reduces barriers to care faced by vulnerable, underserved, and hard-to-reach residents. The goal is to connect people to services they may require, including housing and health care.  

“We recognized this as an opportunity to be proactive and meet people where they are, making the services more accessible and responsive,” said Louise Lovell, program manager for Haldimand-Norfolk Homeless Prevention Services. “Combining a social services staff member and a community paramedic offers a wider range of services to more people.”  

Sarah Page, chief of Norfolk Paramedic Services, and Jason Gallagher, fire chief and manager of Haldimand Paramedic Services, both expressed praise for this partnership. “Expanding our community paramedicine programs to provide access across our counties to those in need of care outside our normal health care system is what we are striving to accomplish,” said Sarah Page. “Both Chief Gallagher and I recognize that this partnership with Haldimand-Norfolk Social Services highlights our regions’ ability to collaborate and find innovative solutions in rural areas for health care delivery and access to support.”

The pilot began early in 2022 and is expected to continue through the end of the year. The teams are deployed in Haldimand on Tuesdays and Norfolk on Wednesdays. Members of the general public or agencies that have clientele that might be served by a visit can call the following numbers: in Norfolk: 519-426-6170 or 519-582-3579 or in Haldimand: 905-318-6623 at Ext. 3134 and a team can be deployed.  Callers are asked to provide a specific location or a description of where they have seen people. 

Haldimand County’s Paramedic Specialty Programs are essential in delivering specialized in-home service through community outreach programs while offering mobility in care with our Bike Medic Program. These personalized programs keep our community healthy and provide specific care to our residents based on their needs. One of its initiatives is to incorporate animal therapy into the care of clients.

The Community Paramedic Wellness Dog Program brings a deeper connection and support to our existing Community Paramedic Programs. The CP Wellness Dogs can be used in home visits, wellness clinics, and community outreach programs. Animal therapy has long been proven to lower stress, improve feelings of wellbeing, support people through difficult situations, and bring happiness to those they visit.

The CP Wellness Dogs Program is fortunate to have several families and businesses generously donate their suitable dogs for use in this program. If successful in the evaluation and training process, these dogs will be partnered with a Community Paramedic Handler to improve the health and wellness of the people they are visiting.

Haldimand County also has a Bike Paramedic Program that deploys paramedics on bicycles at community events, fairs, and festivals. The Bike Medic program is looking forward to another successful year, quickly responding to patients and providing initial emergency care until an ambulance arrives. The Bike Medics will be attending many events throughout the county; keep an eye out for them during the spring and summer festival season.

The Haldimand County Paramedic Program is diversifying its services to meet the needs of our residents through localized and specialized care. Our Community Paramedic Wellness Dogs Program is making strides to connect people with animals to promote overall wellbeing. Whereas our Bike Medics are actively in the community to ensure you remain safe as summer activities resume. Over the next few months, keep an eye on our Paramedic Speciality Programs tailoring care to meet your needs.

Earlier this month, Haldimand County and the local agriculture community celebrated the installation of the first Farm 911 sign.

Property owners Henk and Jackie Lise celebrated this initiative alongside program sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

The Farm 911 Emily Project offers owners of rural, agricultural land the opportunity to purchase 911 signage for their farm entrances to help first responders locate individuals/incidents in an emergency.

Through this program, properties will be identified by yellow and black signs to distinguish between vacant properties and properties with dwellings. This is so first responders are aware the incident they are called to may not be tied to a home or farm building. This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.

“This program is such an important initiative as it helps promote on farm safety. By installing these signs property owners will improve Haldimand County’s Emergency Services ability to locate on farm accidents, with the objective of preventing tragedies in the farming community,” remarked Henk Lise, Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee.

It is anticipated that sponsorships received from Erie Mutual Insurance, the local Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and Haldimand Federation of Agriculture will cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021 and potentially 55 signs for 2022.

If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61 (2021 fee) which is to be submitted along with their application). The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.

Individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to submit an application form available online at HaldimandCounty.ca/The-Farm-911-Emily-Project or contact Planning@HaldimandCounty.on.ca for additional information.