This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Wednesday October 26, 2022
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
At Last!
Commercial Training Operations
Medical First Responders
Therapy Dogs
Youth Program
Car Seat Training
Home Caregiver Program
Board, Committee and Sub-Committee Meetings
Ceremonies and Fundraisers
Going forward…
More Links and Information
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
EMAIL: UPDATE: Classroom Capacity Limits
Good Morning All
There are many changes happening where training is concerned from a Pandemic standpoint. In consultation with Council’s PHATF, I will be sending out a fully revised Covid-19 Training document within the next few days which will have a number of updates in it. The PHATF will also be distributing a separate comprehensive update for all SJA programs and services in the next few days. Stay tuned.
The immediate news, however is:
St. John Ambulance in Ontario has been notified by the Ontario Ministry of Labour that classroom capacity limits have been lifted and classroom configuration can return to pre-pandemic levels immediately. This means that, immediately, you can adjust your classrooms and book full classes again.
St. John Ambulance in Ontario will continue requiring all classroom participants (instructors and students) to wear masks in the classroom until at least April 30th. We will then assess mask wearing on a month by month basis.
Until directed otherwise, please continue to request that self declaration forms are filled out prior to start of training.
Participants may continue to eat in the classroom, but must remain seated and must replace their masks when done eating.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns.
Regards
Chris Schmied
Director of Learning, Training and Skills Development
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Branch and Council Operations
Branch In-Person Commercial Training
Medical First Responders (updated patient screening tool)
Therapy Dogs
Council and Branch Committee Meetings
Other Branch Activities
Provincially Sponsored Events and Activities
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Branch In-Person Training
MFR
Therapy Dogs
Youth
Car Seat
Home Caregiver
Other Council and Branch Activities and Training
Provincially Sponsored Events and Activities
Wednesday December 1, 2021
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Update
Omicron
Fourth Wave
Vaccine Update
Seasonal Precautions
Mask Guidance Changed
Plexiglass Barriers may be Counterproductive
Branch In-Personal Training
More Links and Information
Task Force Memo #32
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Update
Provincial Re-opening Timeline
How does this affect SJA?
More Links and Information
Saturday September 25, 2021
Email: UPDATE: Proof of Vaccination Requirements in Ontario
Good Afternoon
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ontario) have now provided direction with respect to the Proof of Vaccination Requirement Policy that was put in place on Sept 23rd. They have confirmed that training in our branches, remains unchanged, in that those entering our branches, will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
We must continue to screen all attendees to our training as we have been doing using the Covid self screening forms. Existing health and safety protocols remain in place including masks, hand hygiene and social distancing.
The Ministry’s communication does say:
Please note that if in-person training is taking place in a rented facility (e.g. conference centre, banquet hall, hotel etc.), the facility may require a learner to provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to gain entry.
Providers must work with the facility to understand the entry requirements and clearly communicate that a mandatory vaccination policy applies at the specific location.
Therefore, if training at a rented facility (Hotel, Conference Centre, Legion Hall etc.) please reach out (in adavnce) to the facility in order to fully understand what their policy is, in regards to vaccination requirements and how it will apply, with respect to the training delivery. In addition, if a hotel, etc., requires proof of vaccination, Branches should reach out to students ahead of their attendance, to ensure they know of this requirement.
Finally, No proof of vaccination is being required for our clients, when attending training at a company site or organization’s site provided the space being used, is their location (used to conduct business) and the organization or company does not otherwise require proof of vaccination.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or to discuss further.
Chris Schmied , Manager of Learning
Council for Ontario
Friday September 17, 2021
Task Force Memo #31 - Proof of Vaccination & Event Link - click HERE
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
• Update
• Free Virtual Vaccine Information Session with Q&A – Sept.25th Register HERE>> https://forms.gle/xno4BVDEVkSiZYKS7
• MFR Unit Chief (or delegate)/Fall Connection event – Sept.25th Register HERE>> https://forms.gle/tfkzLC5fFUw3kCAi7
• PPE Requirements
• Attestation Process
Task Force Memo #30 = RE: ON-LINE SCREENER & EVENT REQUEST FORM
This Memo includes updates, directives and recommendations for:
Task Force Memo #29
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Update
Ontario Step Three – July 16th, 2021
Screening
Event/Activity Registration
Special Considerations: Therapy Dog, Commercial Student and Instructor Screening, Employee Screening, MFR’s
Summary
More information and Links
GREAT NEWS!
As of this Friday July 16th the following restrictions are being lifted by the Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development
Indoor classroom training capacity of 10
The specific capacity limit of 10 students per instructional space for indoor health and safety training has been removed and replaced with general capacity limits based on the size of the instructional space, which must include 2 metre physical distancing.
This means, your classes (as of July 16th) can be as large as space allows, keeping the social distancing rule in place.
Training at Third Party Rental space
The restriction of not allowing training at rental spaces such as Hotel, Conference, Legion Hall Church Hall etc. is being lifted. As of Friday July 16th you may begin training at third party rental spaces with general capacity limits based on the size of the instructional space, which must include 2 metre physical distancing
Eating in the Classroom
As previously mentioned, eating in the classroom will be allowed as of Friday July 16th
As of now, all other restrictions remain in place. We will continue to monitor all restrictions and advise of any changes
As always, do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.
Chris Schmied
Manager of Learning
Council for Ontario
Task Force Memo #28
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Task Force Memo #27
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Task Force Memo #26
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Email: MFR Extension - Dec 31st, 2021
On behalf of the PHATF; we extending certification for internal Volunteer MFRs to Dec 31st 2021, with a strong recommendation that virtual continuing education takes place/continues. The rationale is; with the extended lockdown for the rest of this month, we will not be in a favourable position to get those needing recertification done in time before July 1. We are extending to end of the year similar to/in alignment with WSIB. When the appropriate
time is right for the PHATF to approve in person training for MFR, we strongly encourage MFR volunteer to take their training when safe and not wait until end of year to recertify if able to do so sooner (as allowed by government regulation and current situation for the given community).
Task Force Memo #25
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Why now, and why the whole Province?
Will these measures be enough?
What about the future?
More information and Links
Wednesday February 17, 2021
Task Force Memo # 24
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
RE: COVID-19 MFR Training document & MFR Certification Extension
The Public Health Advisory Task Force advised some time ago that work was underway on a COVID-safer MFR training syllabus to allow for the national resumption of essential training. This resumption was announced in last week’s Branch conference call and has apparently caused some confusion. Despite the fact that the COVID-safer MFR training program is now available, it is currently only available as a public course for those requiring this essential training for employment.
All SJA internal AMFRs certificates (including AMFR and HCP) have now been extended through June 30, 2021, and there is presently no need to conduct internal recertification's. Similarly, no new internal training courses are being approved during the current lockdown. The Task Force will have new direction once the lockdown is rescinded. In the meantime, if you have a special situation that you feel requires training of an internal AMFR, please feel free to request this through the Task Force at coronavirus@sjaoc.ca
Information specific to SJA activities and status around COVID-19 is centralized at the following website for ready access: https://sites.google.com/sjaoc.ca/phatf
Kind Regards,
On behalf of the Chairman, CEO and PHATF of St. John Council for Ontario,
Clare Akintoye, MStJ
Wednesday December 23, 2020
2020 SJA Internal Task Force Memo – Novel Coronavirus #23
SJA Covid-19 Response Framework – Chart V2.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ’s
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Update – COVID-19 Provincial Lockdown
Reference Chart: SJA Covid-19 Response Framework – Chart V2.
Good News
More Good News
Post-Exposure Management Flow charts (Exposure & Member Symptoms)
Season’s Greetings
More information and Links
Task Force Memo #22 (updated)
This memo includes an update on the: Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework.
Reference: SJA COVID-19 Response Framework - Chart V2.
Task Force Memo #21
This Memo includes update, directives and recommendations for:
Member Return to Active Duty Process
IRCC - Volunteers Needed
AMFR Training/Certification
In-Person Meetings
MFR Meetings
Youth Programs
Campus Response Teams
Disclosure for Contact Tracing
Vehicle Cleaning
Branch Third Party Room Rentals
MFR Advisor Memo:
includes updated MFR Services Manual.
Task Force Memo #20 covering:
Task Force Memo #19 covering:
Update
Return to MFR Operations – Interim COVID-19 Guidance
Six Month CPR/AED Hands-On Practice
MFR Certificate Expiry
MFR Recruitment and Training
Volunteering your time at COVID-19 deployment
Task Force Memo #18 covering:
Re: Therapy Dog Visits
As I'm sure you've seen in the media today, Premier Ford has announced the loosening of visitor restrictions for long term care and retirement homes. While the new rules allow a minimum of one outdoor visitor a week for long term care home residents and either outdoor or indoor visiting for retirement home residents, a number of restrictions apply:
The home cannot be in outbreak;
Visitors must pass active screening before each visit and be able to prove they have tested negative for COVID-19 during the previous two weeks;
Visitors must wear face coverings during each visit; and
Physical distancing must be maintained (so residents will not be allowed to pet Therapy Dogs)
These restrictions make it extremely difficult for "normal" Therapy Dog visiting to take place. As such, virtual and window visits only to take place at this time.
Updated June 12Update Memo for Honours & Awards Re; COVID-19
On behalf of Joel Campbell, Honours and Awards Chair, and our Priory Secretary, please find attached a memo outlining information on Honours and Awards procedures as they relate to our current (and ongoing) situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that are in place.
Also please note that “Gazetting” of the 2019 Admissions / Promotions in the Order is now scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
Task Force Memo #17 covering topics:
Task Force Memo #16 covering topics:
Who makes up the Task Force?
COVID-19 Messaging Guidelines
Resuscitation Guidelines
Community Deployment
Contact-less Therapy Dog Visits
Task Force Memo #15 Released, covering topics:
Update to Branch Operations Page regarding High School Graduation Criteria with First Aid/CPR as part of the SHSM program
“Order of St. John COVID-19 bulletin” is shared on behalf of Priory’s Chancellor and Council’s Chairman
“Prayer for Challenging Times” shared on behalf of Council’s Provincial Chaplain.
Update to Branch Operations Page regarding Branch Operations Update Memo.
Task Force Memo #14 Released consisting of updated Algorithm and Volunteer Screening document.
Update to Branch Operations Page regarding March Revenue Sharing and April CRM fees.
Added a message from the Chancellor, above on this page.
Information regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy posted on the Branch Operations Page.
Task Force Memo #13 released
Wednesday April 1 - AMFR Certificate Extension
90 day extension from date of expiry to our MFRs (volunteers) - posted on Branch Operations Page
Tuesday March 31, 1530hrs
Task Force Memo #12 released.
Based on the extension of the Declaration of Emergency and related measures until at least April 13 by the Government of Ontario, and with the school closure extended until at least May 4th, the existing SJA program suspensions are expected to remain in effect until May 4th, 2020.
Training Operations remain suspended with a bi-weekly review. Please refer to Memo #12 for more information.
Other topics include:
Staying Healthy
Personal Protective Equipment Stockpile
Scarves and Cloth Masks are not PPE
Community Deployment
Performing CPR during COVID-19
Added Community Deployments and Emergency Operations Page, where you will find information on any current operations as well as the procedures relating to commencing and maintaining operations.
Added Infographics Page.
Memorandum #11 released.
Tuesday March 24, 1100hrs
Memorandum # 10 released. This includes updates on member support, PPE stockpiles, community deployments and training updates regarding extensions and CPR updates. Provincial Conference is rescheduled for October 16 -17. Added a page "Wellness and Support" that will soon be updated with references and materials to support our members.
Saturday March 21, 1230hrs
Please do not attempt to source PPE from other branches. We have already collected a list of the PPE available around the province. Please do not release PPE to outside agencies or organizations or to other branches. If you receive such a request contact the Public Health Advisory Task Force at coronavirus@sjaoc.ca.
Some updated PPE and and disinfection reference material added to the site. No changes to the direction and recommendations, but some supplementary material. The "Cleaning and Disinfection" page has been changed to "PPE and Disinfection".
In response to a community request for assistance St. John Ambulance Peel Branch (Orangeville Division) has commenced operations providing support to the COVID-19 assessment centre at Headwaters Hospital. The Provincial Emergency Management Advisor and Public Health Advisory Task Force continue to monitor and support this operation. A reminder to all branches and units that all requests for support or emergency assistance must be approved and coordinated through the Provincial Emergency Management Advisor and the Public Health Advisory Task Force. Contact the provincial emergency pager AND send an email to coronavirus@sjaoc.ca
Tuesday March 17, 1700hrs
The council office received the following information from WSIB this afternoon:
"The health, safety and well-being of our employees and the people we serve is our top priority and the WSIB continues to actively monitor the guidance of provincial and national health authorities with regard to COVID-19. To adhere to government guidelines regarding COVID-19, we advise that all First Aid providers suspend in-person courses temporarily to ensure we are practicing social distancing.
For anyone who may require renewed certification, we will be allowing a 90 extension to get re-certified. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide more information if anything changes. Please continue to monitor our website for all of the latest news and updates."
Monday March 16, 2020 2130hrs
Task Force Memo # 8 (Branch Operations and Instructional Activities) and Task Force Memo #9 (MFR Operations) released. All instructional activities suspended 1700hrs on Tuesday March 17th. This decision will continue to be re-evaluated and updates will be sent as appropriate regarding instructional activities. Please refer to the Memos for more information.
MFR Operations will continue as previously indicated, but Memo #9 provides some additional information.
Sunday March 15 2020, 1330hrs
Task force Memo #7 sent out. Updates to all Council for Ontario operations (Branch operations, all CS programs). Please review these important updates.
Sunday March 15, 2020 - 0900hrs
Website Launched. Additional updates will be added to this section, with the most recent at the top. Please refer to the navigation links for access to the Task Force Memos, the up to date screening algorithm, and more.