Answering the call: ParaMed Orillia team supports warming centre during ice storm
When a severe ice storm hit Orillia and surrounding areas, it left many residents without heat or shelter. In response, an emergency warming centre was opened — and when Ontario Health atHome reached out for help, ParaMed staff answered the call.
“An email came out on Wednesday, asking if anyone was interested in helping, and staff responded quickly,” said Jodi Stevens, Clinical Supervisor. “By Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m., we had team members on site.”
From Thursday through Monday, roughly 15 team members provided continuous support in shifts running from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They offered care that went beyond the clinical — helping people settle into clean cots, change into fresh clothes, and receive warm food, water, and hygiene essentials. Personal connections mattered just as much. Team members listened to stories, comforted anxious families, and ensured every individual felt safe and seen.
One family — a woman who was an amputee, her elderly mother, and her blind father — especially touched the hearts of staff. ParaMed team members helped them get ready for bed each night, located missing hearing aids, and assisted with bathroom needs throughout the day.
“After whatever care we give them — anything they need — it’s like afterwards, they’re relaxed,” said Latisha, HSW. “Their mind is at ease. They don’t have to worry about anything, and I know they’re taken care of, so it makes me feel better too.”
“It was an eye-opener,” added Vicki, PSW. “We didn’t realize how many people needed us until we were there. It felt different — working out in the community like that.”
Some moments were small but profound. One woman, who hadn’t been able to shower in over a week, received help to bathe. She emerged with clean clothes, a warm towel, and renewed dignity — smiling for hours afterward. Another person was moved to tears after receiving a shower and new clothes, telling staff, “No one has ever made me feel this human.”
“Just sitting there and talking to them — that’s what they liked,” said Lindsay, PSW. “And being able to bring them resources they didn’t know were available — that made a difference too.”
Staff also identified individuals in need of home care services. One woman they met on Thursday came on service with ParaMed by Sunday, thanks to the on-site collaboration between care providers.
The work did not go unnoticed. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Jill Dunlop, visited the warming centre and personally spoke with some ParaMed staff members, acknowledging their compassion and dedication.
“Even as they faced the storm’s impact themselves, ParaMed personnel were there to support the Emergency Warming Shelter in Orillia,” said Allen Lee, Director of Patient Care Contract Management at Ontario Health atHome. “We received incredibly positive feedback about the caregivers on site — including from Premier Ford. I also want to personally thank Laurie and Fiona. Their quick action and willingness to help enabled real collaboration across our system partners.”
What unfolded at the warming centre was more than a response to a storm. “Feedback from our team members is that they really enjoyed being there and several offered to go back,” Jodi reflects. “I think that says a lot about our people – they have big hearts and they want to help not just the clients, but our whole community – it’s pretty powerful.”