Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

More than a firefighting service, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has been improving residents’ quality of life through emergency medical care for nearly 30 years.

SFD first introduced Emergency Medical Technicians in 1990, and now has over 140 Firefighter-Primary Care Paramedics providing emergency medical care throughout the city.

“We’re proud of our role as part of a primary care team of first responders, increasing the quality of life for residents and providing a level of service residents have come to expect,” says Len Protz, Battalion Chief. “With nine strategically located stations, we’re able to respond quickly when someone in our community requires urgent care.”

SFD received just over 14,000 calls to date this year, roughly 40 per cent requiring emergency medical care. In certain circumstances, the firefighter-paramedics are able to perform lifesaving interventions, which includes the administration of medications.

Yearly statistical comparisons:

“SFD provides emergency response and protection for nearly 42 billion dollars’ worth of physical assets, but what that doesn’t include is our people,” says Protz. “We’re continuously looking at ways we can improve the services we provide to citizens, keeping their safety and wellness at the forefront.”

Treatment and medications administered by firefighter-paramedics have expanded over the past thirty years. Notably, the introduction of the automated external defibrillator (AED) in the mid-90s and Naloxone, an important drug used to combat the opioid overdose crisis, in January 2017.

Other medications administered by firefighter-paramedics include: Dextrose for hypoglycemic diabetic emergencies, Epinephrine (Adrenaline) for severe allergic reactions, and Atrovent and Salbutamol (bronchodilators) used for persons in severe respiratory distress.

Most recently, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics protocols, the SFD added Penthrox, a non-opioid gaseous analgesic used for pain relief, to be able to treat persons experiencing moderate to severe pain associated with trauma.

Building and upgrading skills has also been a focus over the years. On January 1, 2018, SFD made the transition from Emergency Medical Technicians to Primary Care Paramedics (2011 National Occupancy Competency Profile) with nearly half of SFD’s operational staff registered with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics.  In addition, more than 50 staff who were previously Primary Care Paramedics or Emergency Medical Technicians are now Registered Medical First Responders, a further upgrade of skills and lifesaving abilities available within the Department.

Through continued working relationships with the International Association of Firefighters Local 80, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Medavie Health Services West and the Saskatoon Police Service, SFD works toward the common goal of community service in saving lives and serving the citizens of our community.

The Saskatoon Fire Department’s emergency medical services further the City’s Strategic Goal of Quality of Life for Citizens in prioritizing the safety of the entire community.

At approximately 9:10 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 58th Street East and Miners Avenue. The caller reported a collision between a semi tractor-trailer and a car with the possibility of the car's lone occupant being trapped inside.

Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, the entrapment of a middle-aged male driver in a Chevrolet Cruze was confirmed. The patient was observed in stable condition with firefighter-paramedics performing a medical assessment and providing care inside the damaged vehicle. Firefighters prepared the vehicle for the extrication process by stabilizing it and disconnecting the battery; the driver's door was cut from the vehicle using hydraulic rescue tools, freeing the trapped patient.

The patient was transported to hospital by ambulance in stable condition. Fire crews performed a clean-up of the scattered debris before concluding on scene. The scene was left with the Saskatoon Police Service.

There were no injuries or exposures to fire department personnel as a result of this incident.

At approximately 11:22 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization were alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a suspicious substance found in a mail processing facility located at 115 Avenue H South.

One fire engine, one haz-mat unit, one decontamination unit, one mobile command unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, two employees of the facility that had come into contact with the substance were placed into isolation and the facility was evacuated and secured. The Emergency Management Organization notified the Saskatoon Public Schools Division and brought a representative on site to ensure operations with a nearby school were not affected. On arrival of the haz-mat unit and decontamination unit, a plan was established and crews prepared for entry to the facility; haz-mat crews performed tests of the substance involved and quickly confirmed it to be non-hazardous.

The Saskatoon Police Service restricted traffic in the area for the duration of this incident. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Management Organization have concluded on scene and the facility has been turned back over to management.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and there is no risk to public safety. 

At approximately 8:51 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization were alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a suspicious package containing an unknown substance in a commercial retail warehouse located at 225 Betts Avenue.

One fire engine, one haz-mat unit, one decontamination unit, one mobile command unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response.

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed incident details and placed two employees and two police officers into isolation as a precaution. The affected area was confined to the back shipping and receiving room; the Saskatoon Police Service restricted entry to the building and all customers who had been shopping at the time were instructed to shelter in place.

Available information had indicated the possibility of a hazardous substance within the package. Haz-mat crews prepared for entry and began conducting tests of the unknown substance. All tests produced negative results and were confirmed to be non-hazardous. The individuals who had been placed into isolation were released and all customers were permitted to exit the building.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and there is no risk to public safety.

The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Management Organization have concluded on scene and this incident has been left with the Saskatoon Police Service. 

On Tuesday Nov. 5th, 2019 at approximately 9:12 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire in the 900 blk of Central Ave.  Callers reported smoke coming from a fireworks business.  A total of 5 engines, 1 heavy rescue, 1 aerial ladder, a battalion chief and a fire investigator responded through out the duration of the incident.  Initial arriving crews found smoke coming from the roof and front of the building.  Crews made on offensive interior attack in an attempt to locate the seat of the fire.  Once crews were inside they encountered heavy smoke and reported zero visibility and had to deal with the fireworks exploding all around them.  The building gas and power were disconnected as a precaution.  Police blocked off the streets around the fire scene and neighbouring businesses were also evacuated.  The stubborn fire was under control in 2 hrs and 19 minutes. 

A fire investigator is currently on scene trying to determine a cause.  At this time no damage estimate is available.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.