Ontario Government Invests $93 Million in Ornge Air Ambulance to Enhance Emergency Care
SIMCOE COUNTY— The Ontario government is allocating $93 million to bolster the Ornge Air Ambulance fleet, ensuring faster and more efficient emergency medical services for patients in northern and rural communities. The investment includes two high-speed fixed-wing aircraft, a new hangar in Simcoe County, and expanded pre-hospital care services.
“Our government recognizes the critical role Ornge plays in providing patients with timely access to critical care services, no matter where they live in Ontario,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
The new Special Mission Aircraft are larger and faster than Ornge’s current fleet. Capable of traveling long distances without refueling, they will double the number of daily long-distance patient transports, increasing the total to four. These aircraft are designed to accommodate patients with specialized medical needs, including neonatal, pediatric, and bariatric care.
Ontario Connecting Northern and Rural Communities to Critical Care
Expanded Ornge Air Ambulance fleet and new hangar will better connect patients in rural and remote communities to urgent care.
Read the media release or watch the press conference here: https://t.co/0IfNObhZGe
— Ornge (@Ornge) December 17, 2024
The aircraft will be housed in a newly constructed hangar at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, enabling more streamlined coordination of emergency care across the province.
“The addition of a Special Mission Aircraft to our fleet will significantly enhance Ornge’s ability to respond to various emergency situations and stakeholder needs in Ontario,” said Dr. Homer Tien, President and CEO of Ornge.
This investment builds on the $118 million previously announced in 2023 to expand Ornge’s fixed-wing fleet to 12 aircraft, replace older planes, and construct a larger hangar in Sudbury.
Expanding Frontline Services
To complement the expanded fleet, the government is investing an additional $25 million to hire 102 frontline staff by 2029, including paramedics, pilots, and aviation mechanics. This will ensure aircraft availability for emergencies at all times.
Other enhancements include expanding Ornge’s mental health transport team, which provides in-flight mental health care. In its first year, the team assisted 741 patients. Additional resources will also enhance the Emergency First Response Teams Program in First Nation communities with stretcher transport vehicles, specialized first aid training, and culturally appropriate care supplies.
Improving Health Equity
This investment aligns with the province’s Your Health: A Plan For Connected and Convenient Care initiative, aiming to ensure timely and equitable access to emergency medical services across Ontario.
By upgrading its fleet and services, Ornge is poised to improve health outcomes for patients in underserved areas, reinforcing Ontario’s commitment to high-quality emergency care for all residents.
