North Caribou Lake First Nation Launches Emergency First Response Team

NORTH CARIBOU LAKE FIRST NATION, ON, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ - North Caribou Lake First Nation is proud to announce the launch of its community-led Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) program, a significant step toward strengthening local emergency response capacity and advancing community health and safety.

The EFRT program will establish a team of trained and compensated emergency first responders equipped to provide immediate assistance during medical emergencies within the community. Through the program, North Caribou Lake First Nation will receive a dedicated patient transport vehicle, emergency medical equipment, and ongoing training and clinical oversight from Ornge, Ontario's air ambulance and critical care transport service.

"The health and safety of our community members is always a priority. By participating in the EFRT program, we are building local capability and ensuring our people have access to timely emergency response services when they are needed most," said Chief Cornelius Benson of North Caribou Lake First Nation.

The refreshed EFRT education program provides community-based responders with culturally relevant, hands-on training designed specifically for the realities of remote and northern communities. Team members gain the skills and confidence needed to manage urgent medical situations until advanced medical care becomes available. The program also includes support for records management and data collection.

"The Emergency First Response Team program helps communities take a leading role in their own emergency response services," said Jeff Gunner, Director of Emergency First Response Teams at Ornge. "By providing training, equipment, and ongoing support, we are working together to improve access to emergency care and strengthen health outcomes in remote and northern communities."

North Caribou Lake First Nation joins a growing number of First Nations communities across Ontario implementing community-led emergency response solutions. The EFRT program reflects a shared commitment to health equity, community resilience, and self-determination through locally driven healthcare initiatives.

SOURCE Emergency First Response Team

Media Contacts: Doreen Chikane, Health Director, [email protected]; Ornge Media, 1-888-229-8115, [email protected]