A city audit reveals every Ottawa paramedic surveyed has faced violence on duty, with most incidents going unreported amid trust and system concerns.
Ottawa Audit Exposes Rising Violence Against Paramedics
Survey Results Reveal Extent of Workplace Violence
An audit by Ottawa’s Auditor General found that every paramedic who responded to a city survey reported experiencing violence on the job, raising alarms about frontline safety. The survey, sent to more than 450 active paramedics and completed by 128 in June, provides the first detailed look at the scale of the issue in Ottawa’s emergency response system.
Incidents Growing More Frequent and More Severe
The audit shows that paramedics face threats and assaults regularly, with 37% encountering violence monthly and 21% reporting weekly incidents. These confrontations range from verbal abuse to hitting and spitting, with some causing injuries. Ottawa Paramedic Chief Pierre Poirier said such encounters are “absolutely regular occurrences,” underscoring how routine violence has become.
Many Paramedics Decline to Report Incidents
The report found 82% of respondents had experienced violence they did not report, citing doubts that complaints would lead to meaningful action. Some paramedics said violence is perceived as part of the job, while others viewed incidents as minor. Several also reported a lack of visible follow-up, including frustration with what they described as limited action by the Ottawa Police Service.
Audit Flags Culture and Process Issues Inside Service
Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon concluded that unclear expectations, lengthy follow-up procedures, and a backlog of cases have contributed to poor reporting practices. Her office warned the current system could weaken morale and expose the city to legal risks. Members of council’s audit committee expressed strong concern, calling the findings “very disturbing” for a profession dedicated to public care.
Leadership Promises Clearer Reporting and Better Support
The Ottawa Paramedic Service accepted the audit’s recommendation to clarify what should be reported and to outline how complaints will be handled. Poirier told the committee that new internal processes will prioritize documentation, escalation, and coordination with police. He stressed that violence is “not OK and not part of the job,” and noted that many incidents involve vulnerable people facing homelessness or crisis.
Drug Oversight Weaknesses Also Identified
Beyond violence, the audit uncovered gaps in how the service manages controlled substances, including opioids such as morphine and fentanyl. The review found missing documentation, inadequate access controls, and incomplete monthly audits required under provincial rules. Some staff on leave still had access to drug storage. Although no misuse or loss was identified, management agreed policies and oversight must be strengthened.
City Faces Pressure to Improve Safety and Compliance
The audit urges Ottawa to address both cultural and operational gaps to better protect paramedics and ensure compliance with medical regulations. Officials say improvements to reporting, oversight, and support systems will be essential as violence continues to rise and frontline workers face increasing demands during emergency calls.
