Eabametoong First Nation Introduces Community-Based Emergency First Response Team

Locally trained responders and dedicated patient transport to strengthen community safety

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION, ON, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Eabametoong First Nation is taking an important step forward in protecting the health and safety of its members with the launch of a community-led Emergency First Response Team (EFRT). The program reflects the Nation's commitment to self-determination, local capacity building, and culturally grounded approaches to emergency care.

The EFRT will be staffed by a paid team of trained emergency responders from within the community, ready to provide immediate assistance during medical emergencies. The program includes a fully equipped, transport-capable vehicle and essential medical supplies, ensuring timely care and safe patient transfers when needed. Training, clinical oversight, and quality assurance will be provided in partnership with Ornge, Ontario's provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services.

"Our community knows best what our people need," says Chief Solomon Atlookan, Chief of Eabametoong First Nation. "By building our own emergency response capacity, we are strengthening local readiness and ensuring faster, more reliable care for our members when it matters most."

The EFRT training program focuses on equipping community responders with the skills, confidence, and clinical guidance required to manage urgent medical situations until advanced care arrives. The program operates under established medical directives and includes formal certification and recertification, continuous quality improvement processes, and support for records management and data collection. Training is hands-on, practical, and designed to reflect the realities of remote and northern First Nations, with cultural relevance integrated throughout.

Ornge will provide ongoing support to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. "Community-led emergency response teams play a critical role in improving outcomes in remote communities," says Jeff Gunner, Director of Emergency First Response Teams at Ornge. "These teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are positioned to respond quickly and effectively in local emergencies."

The Emergency First Response Team program is part of Eabametoong First Nation's broader efforts to advance health equity, invest in local leadership, and build long-term, sustainable solutions led by the community, for the community.

SOURCE Emergency First Response Team

Councillor Landyn Atlookan, Eabametoong First Nation, [email protected]; Ornge Media, 1-888-229-8115, [email protected]