ORNGE suspends night flights at remote sites across Ontario
Source: The Star, 15-Jun-13
Two weeks after the fatal crash of an air ambulance helicopter, ORNGE has temporarily suspended night flights to almost 60 sites across Ontario. see full story
Neighbours complain at temporary EMS helipad
Source: The Sudbury Star, 15-May-13
It may be little consolation to residents in the Kirkwood Drive-Ramsey Lake Road area who are furious about a temporary helipad being located in their neighbourhood, but the notice is in the mail. (See Full Story)
Ornge Sells Two Surplus AW139s
Source: Ornge, 02-May-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, announced today two surplus AW139 helicopters have been sold. The selling price was $20 million USD for two aircraft, or $10 million per helicopter. “With the sale of these helicopters, Ornge has taken another important step in addressing legacy issues inherited from previous leadership,” said Dr. [...]
Ornge investigation may take another year, says OPP
Source: CBC News, 22-Mar-13
Ontario taxpayers will know within a year whether any charges will be laid in the criminal probe of the troubled Ornge air ambulance service, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Chris Lewis said Wednesday (see full story)
New Ontario hospital helipad to improve patient care
Source: Ornge, 12-Mar-13
Markham Stouffville Hospital and Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, are pleased to announce the opening of the hospital’s new rooftop heliport. An Ornge helicopter made its inaugural landing at the hospital today and was greeted by hospital CEO, Janet Beed. “This new heliport will help us provide more efficient service to [...]
Ornge Submits First Quality Improvement Plan
Source: Ornge, 27-Feb-13
Ontario patients requiring air ambulance services and critical care transport will receive better care thanks to Ornge’s first Quality Improvement Plan. The Quality Improvement Plan, submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care today, is a requirement under Ornge’s amended Performance Agreement and is a key step to ensuring public confidence in its air [...]
Ornge introduces new interim interior for AW139s
Source: Ornge, 25-Jan-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, is improving patient safety with a new interim interior for its fleet of AW139 helicopters that will allow paramedics to perform CPR at any time during flight. “We transport the most critically injured or ill patients, which means our paramedics must have an effective working environment,” [...]
Ornge introduces new whistleblower protection policy
Source: Ornge, 07-Jan-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services is further improving accountability and transparency by introducing a whistleblower policy. “We are truly committed to continuous improvement at Ornge, and that means everyone should feel free to come forward with concerns, without fear of reprisal,” said Ron McKerlie, Interim President and CEO of Ornge. “Our [...]
Ornge announces new COO
Source: Ornge, 17-Dec-12
Ornge have announced the appointment of Rob Giguere to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Giguere will oversee Aviation, Operations and the Operations Control Centre to ensure all teams are working together and moving forward to support Ornge’s focus on patient care and Ontario operations. He brings decades of experience and knowledge in [...]
ORNGE whistleblower sues scandal-plagued air ambulance
Source: Hamilton Spectator, 13-Nov-12
A former employee of ORNGE is suing Ontario’s scandal-plagued air ambulance service, saying she was fired for helping to expose alleged wrongdoing. (see full story)
Dart opens new corporate HQ
Source: DART Helicopter Services, 18-Sep-12
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) significantly expanded its office in Hawkesbury by regrouping all Canadian divisions under one roof. Before the construction of the new office, the Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, Engineering, Accounting and Manufacturing teams were not co-located. The 9,500 sq. feet office expansion allowed for all divisions to come under one roof next to [...]
Ontario hospital helipad damaged by vandals
Source: CBC, 17-Sep-12
Police said that since May, vandals have broken several marker and fixture lights on the hospital’s helipad, which is used by Ornge. The vandalism has occurred multiple times during the last few months. Nine lights were broken during one instance. (see full story)
Ornge recruits first Patient Advocate
Source: Ornge, 10-Sep-12
Denise Polgar will become Ornge’s first Patient Advocate, a newly created position unique in the field of air ambulance and medical transport, and will begin this role on September 4th, 2012. As Patient Advocate, Ms. Polgar will support and comfort patients and families, as well as work to resolve their concerns about patient care and [...]
Ornge making progress with approval to fly in US Airspace
Source: Ornge, 07-Sep-12
Ornge is improving the quality of patient care with approval to fly air ambulance helicopters in U.S. airspace. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Ornge’s application to fly helicopters to the U.S., allowing Ornge’s air ambulance helicopter fleet to fly in U.S. airspace and transport patients to or from any U.S. destination. “The [...]
AgustaWestland seeks $1.8M back from ORNGE
Source: Toronto Star, 01-Aug-12
AgustaWestland is seeking the return of $1.8M from the controversial marketing services agreement between them and Ontario EMS operator ORNGE – the detail of which is already under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police. (see full story)
Ornge paramedic quit in disgust after patient died
Source: Ottawa Citizen, 08-Jun-12
Trevor Kidd says had the girl had a hope for survival, Ornge “robbed” her of that chance by not properly staffing their aircraft or sending them in a timely manner. The whistleblower says he raised red flags about Ornge with journalists and others, but no one believed him because of Ornge’s “Mother Teresa” image. (see [...]
Ornge continues rebuild with new key appointments
Source: Ornge, 07-Jun-12
Ornge is pleased to provide a frontline staffing update and to announce the addition of three new well-respected executives from health care, aviation and finance to the Ornge team: Bruce Farr – Special Advisor, Operations Bruce has a long history working with Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS). He started as an ambulance driver in Scarborough, [...]
Canadian Helicopters thank the people of Ontario
Source: Canadian Helicopters, 23-Apr-12
Ed: Canadian Helicopters posted this under the title “To the People of Ontario”, mostly as a way of concluding 35 years and 155,000 flying hours serving the province. However, it is also seen as a way of distancing the company from the Ornge debacle Thank you for your business and your trust. Some of you [...]
Ontario Government outlines improved future monitoring of Ornge
Source: Province of Ontario, 27-Mar-12
Proposed legislation ( Ambulance Amendment Act (Air Ambulances), 2012) being introduced would, if passed, prevent any future abuse of power at Ornge by: Protecting whistle-blowers who disclose information to an inspector, investigator or the government. Allowing the government to directly appoint members to Ornge’s board of directors and change the performance agreement with Ornge at [...]
Statement from AgustaWestland re: Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance
Source: AgustaWestland, 08-Mar-12
AgustaWestland is aware from media of an investigation being conducted by the Government of Ontario into the operations of Ornge. While negative remarks about the AgustaWestland relationship with Ornge as well as the AW139 helicopter have been made from time to time in press articles, we should like to emphasize the following: 1) AgustaWestland has [...]
Canada’s ORNGE air ambulance not allowed in US airspace
Source: CBC, 29-Feb-12
A leaked document indicates paperwork has been put before the FAA, but currently the ORNGE helicopters have not been cleared to enter the U.S. Period. (see full story)
$25M in ORNGE money unaccounted for
Source: The Record, 27-Feb-12
Roughly $25 million dollars raised by Ornge with Ontario taxpayers’ help cannot be accounted for. Investigators, financial and criminal, are digging into the case to see if the money was blown on a spending spree, bad business decisions or if some of it lined executives’ pockets. (see full story)
Ontario Health ministry strengthens oversight Of Ornge
Source: Ontario Health, 21-Feb-12
Ontario is taking action to strengthen accountability, oversight and transparency at the province’s air ambulance system — Ornge. The government will introduce legislation to help restore public confidence in the system and take further measures to enhance patient safety. The new performance agreement will increase accountability through: Mandatory approval by the Minister for any changes [...]
Ontario Police to investigate AgustaWestland $6.7M kick-back payment
17-Feb-12
ONtario Ministry of Health as called in the Police in regard of two transactions – a $6.7-million payment AgustaWestland channelled back to Ornge, as part of the air ambulance’s purchase of 12 helicopters for $148-million, and a $1.2-million loans made to former CEO Chris Mazza (see full story)
ORNGE lawyer resigns from his law firm
Source: Toronto Star, 11-Feb-12
It’s almost daily we can bring you an update on the ORNGE saga. Now Alf Apps tendered his resignation Friday afternoon from law firm Fasken Martineau. Apps was listed as a counsel to the firm, not a partner. Apps is also chairman of a company ORNGE chose last fall to try to raise $15 million [...]
Oshawa airport base under review by Ornge
11-Feb-12
Just weeks after Ornge representatives confirmed an Oshawa airport base for the air ambulance service was still moving forward, the fate of the Oshawa project is now in question. (see full story)
Trustee in Bankruptcy appointed at ORNGE for-profit arm
Source: Ornge, 03-Feb-12
Today, Duff and Phelps was appointed by the court as trustee in bankruptcy for Ornge Global GP Inc. and Ornge Global Holdings LP, the for-profit arm of Ornge. This results, by operation of law, in the immediate termination of the remaining employees of the bankrupt Global entities, being Dr. Chris Mazza, President and CEO, and [...]
ORNGE AW139 EMS interior problems after tender documents buried
30-Jan-12
Ron McKerlie, interim CEO of Ornge, confirmed in an interview on Friday that the previous management of Ornge posted the tender notice for the AW139 EMS interior contract “under a category that would have made it difficult for any reasonable person to find it”. Ornge ended up with medical interiors that are rife with problems, [...]
ORNGE had quietly bought two more AW139s for resale
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Jan-12
The ORNGE debacle goes on… Ron McKerlie, interim chief executive officer of Ornge, confirmed to the Canadian press on Friday that the previous management had quietly ordered two more AW139s with taxpayers money without any announcement either in Canada or within the helicopter industry. The pair had not physically been brought to Canada, or fitted [...]
Ornge plans for Oshawa base still on
Source: DurhamRegion.com, 17-Jan-12
Despite recent changes at the top of the organization, Ornge is still planning to open a new base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport. (see full story)
Message to Ornge staff from Ron McKerlie – Interim President and CEO
Source: Ornge, 13-Jan-12
Below is a statement sent to staff from Ron McKerlie: Yesterday the Board of Directors of Ornge announced their decision to accept the recommendations of the Government of Ontario regarding the appointment of an interim President and CEO. Following that announcement the honorable Deb Matthews, Minister for Health and Long Term Care, announced that I [...]
Ornge Board accepts recommendation for Interim President and CEO
Source: ORNGE, 12-Jan-12
Mississauga, Ontario – Today, the Ornge Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to appoint a senior member of the public service as an Interim President and CEO. The board determined that it is in the best interests of the organization to resign as soon as a [...]
ORNGE air ambulance gets new CEO, board
Source: Toronto Star, 12-Jan-12
The dream of getting rich at ORNGE air ambulance ended Wednesday as high-paid executives lost their jobs, a series of mysterious for-profit companies were shuttered and well-paid board members were given the boot. (see full story).
Ornge release statement on behalf of three executives
Source: Ornge, 02-Jan-12
Below is an internal memo released on December 23, 2011. Sent on behalf of Tom Lepine, Maria Renzella and Rick Potter (HeliHub Editor note – click here to see profiles of these executives) We know that over the past few weeks, many of you, valued members of the Ornge family, have been upset and concerned [...]
ORNGE spinoff received $6.7M from AgustaWestland
Source: The Star, 23-Dec-11
AgustaWestland’s American office struck a $6.7 million deal to hire a Toronto firm made up of ORNGE executives to provide it with “sales and marketing services.” (see full story)
Statement from Chairman of ORNGE board
Source: Ornge, 23-Dec-11
Dr. Mazza will be on an indefinite medical leave and in his absence, Tom Lepine will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge and Maria Renzella will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge Global. I ask that everyone respect his privacy and that of his family during this time. Requests from Minister [...]
Shortage of paramedics leaves ORNGE helicopter idle
Source: TheSpec, 21-Dec-11
The air ambulance helicopter at ORNGE’s Thunder Bay base was grounded hundreds of times this year because no paramedics were available for emergency flights. (see full story)
ORNGE executive salaries under scrutiny
Source: EMS World, 19-Dec-11
Report says at least five top executives are shielded from the “sunshine list” published annually by ONtario to help make government accountable. (see full story)
Ornge sets record straight, responding to Toronto Star article
Source: Ornge, 07-Dec-11
On behalf of Ornge’s Board of Directors, Ornge management and staff, Ornge is compelled to respond to the Toronto Star story of December 5, 2011. We are setting the record straight. Ornge compliant with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. Ornge is in compliance with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. The following [...]
Ornge adds base to serve Southeastern Ontario
Source: Ornge, 07-Jul-11
Ornge, the provider of transport medicine services for Ontario, is pleased to announce the opening of a new satellite medical helicopter base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport later this year. The new facility, which will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week, will be the home to Ornge paramedics, pilots and a new, [...]
Eurocopter Canada delivers two EC135P2+ to Ontario Provincial Police
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 29-May-11
What follows is the official Eurocopter Canada press release. HeliHub.com first broke this story on 4th February, almost four months ago, see here. In an official ceremony held at the Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) officially transferred two new generation twin-engine EC135 helicopters to the Ontario Provincial Police. “The multi-role EC135 is [...]
Lorne Crawford, member of the Ornge board of Directors, passes away
Source: Ornge, 21-Mar-11
On behalf of the Ornge Board of Directors, it is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own, Mr. Lorne Crawford. Mr. Crawford was a tireless supporter and champion of access to healthcare, especially for people living in Northwestern Ontario. “We at Ornge are deeply saddened to learn of the [...]
Eurocopter Canada announces sale of 2nd AS350B3 to V. Kelner Helicopters
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 06-Mar-11
“The selection of a second AS350 B3 was easy – the aircraft is well suited for our operations in mineral exploration and our customers have come to count on the performance and lift capability” said Frank Kelner, CEO of V. Kelner Helicopters. ”The AS350 B3 provides excellent handling characteristics, great visibility and delivers customers with [...]
Ornge ready to launch AW139 in south western Ontario
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Feb-11
Ontario based EMS operatior Ornge will launch their next AW139 at the organisations base at London in south western Ontario. Guest of honour at the invitation-only event will be Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, while various key figures in Ornge will also attend, including Randy L’Heureux (Associate VP of Operations), Rick [...]
Ontario Provincial Police upgrade from AS355F2 to EC135P2+
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Feb-11
Ontario Provincial Police are on the point of adding a Eurocopter EC135P2+ to their fleet, perhaps two. In recent days, two new EC135s have been added to the Canadian register, including one as C-FOPP – a registration previously used by an AS355F2 of the Ontario Provincial Police which has in turn been transferred to C-GJYH. [...]
EMS director criticizes Ornge move from Toronto Island to Hamilton
Source: Peterborough Examiner, 20-Jan-11
The City of Kawartha Lakes is planning to make a case to the province that moving the air ambulance ORNGE from Toronto Island to Hamilton makes no geographic sense. Earlier this week, he had suggested that putting the service in Peterborough or Oshawa made much more sense.
Settlement reached in Ornge discrimination case
Source: NUPGE, 23-Dec-10
In October, Local 505 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) alleging discrimination, intimidation and targeting of union activists at Ornge, formerly Ontario Air Ambulance. “We are pleased to announce that the complaint has now been withdrawn by the union prior to a formal [...]
Ornge transports 100,000th patient
21-Dec-10
MISSISSAUGA (Dec. 20) – Ornge, a world leader in transport medicine, reached a major milestone in its five year history today, as the organization transported its 100,000th patient. All aspects of air ambulance services were divested by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in January 2006 and since became Ornge. Ornge, a not-for-profit organization, [...]
Canada breaks ground on new Chinook hangar at CFB Petawawa
Source: Canadian Armed Forces, 13-Dec-10
Media are invited to attend a ground breaking ceremony with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Laurie Hawn, and Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant for the new CH-147 Chinook Helicopter hangar. Where: Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario When: Monday December 13, 2010 at 9:15 a.m. What: Media planning to attend are required [...]
CAW union expresses alarm at Ornge cutting Toronto Island Airport base
Source: CAW, 20-Oct-10
The CAW is expressing alarm at the decision by ORNGE to move the Toronto Island Medivac helicopters to the Hamilton International Airport, which will dramatically reduce service to Canada’s largest city, the union says. “The decision to cut the service from Toronto Island Airport means that an important access point to the large highly specialized [...]
Ornge opens doors of the new Transport Medicine Centre for Excellence
Source: Chronicle Journal, 18-Oct-10
The air ambulance service opened the doors of the new Transport Medicine Centre for Excellence, their first all-in-one service centre across from the runway of the Thunder Bay International Airport on Saturday.
Latitude Technologies recognized for support of FireHawk Wildfire Aircraft Reporting System
Source: Latitude Technologies, 05-Oct-10
Latitude Technologies Corporation of Victoria, B.C. along with Northern Ontario Air Operator, Hicks & Lawrence Limited, were recognized for their support to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) during the 2009 to 2010 fire season. The MNR team led by Aerial Officer, Colin McFayden, was able to create and send detailed fire reports during [...]
Florida girl age 14 breaks flying record
Source: Caledon Enterprise, 18-Sep-10
Gabrielle Gress is a regular teenage girl. She likes to sing. She plays basketball and she’s a varsity cheerleader at her high school in Florida. She’s also the youngest person ever to pilot two planes and a helicopter on the same day
Bell delivers first 429 to Canadian customer
Source: Vertical, 18-Sep-10
Dengler only began flying in 2006, getting his training from National Helicopters, which has been tasked with managing the new aircraft at its facility near Toronto, Ont
Brockville General Hospital seeks use of airport helipad
Source: Recorder & Times, 23-Jun-10
Brockville General Hospital wants air ambulances to land at the municipal airport in Tincap rather than the Gord Watts Municipal Centre, as the city’s helipad is becoming too costly to maintain.
Eurocopter Canada delivers AS350B3 to V. Kelner Helicopters
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 18-May-10
“We selected the AS350 B3 for its impressive reliability and ability to lift external loads under a wide range of temperature conditions,” said Frank Kelner, CEO of V. Kelner Helicopters. “The helicopter is ideal for all utility missions such as mineral exploration and forest fire fighting.” “The helicopter offers excellent maneuverability, great visibility and low [...]
Eurocopter Canada sells Three EC130s to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 06-Apr-10
Fort Erie, Ontario –Eurocopter Canada (ECL) is pleased to announce the sale of three EC130 B4 single-engine helicopters to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for forest fire management work and utility missions across Canada’s second largest province. With the delivery of the three new helicopters from the ECL facility in Fort Erie, the ministry [...]
Greenland gives Ontario helicopter firm a lift
Source: Daily Press, 09-Mar-10
Joining forces with Greenland company Heli-Greenland, Expedition Helicopters will primarily provide support in the mining industry. Services will include staking, sampling, drill moves, camp relocations and aerial assessments.
New Canadian Chinook Helicopters Will Be Based in Petawawa
Source: Canadian Dept of National Defence, 18-Dec-09
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced that Canada’s new fleet of 15 F-model Chinook helicopters will be based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario.
Safari Helicopter Welcomes New Ontario Dealership
Source: Vertical, 05-Nov-09
SAFARI Helicopter has reached an agreement with SAFARI Helicopter of Ontario for marketing and distribution in Ontario, Canada.
Southern California Edison moving helicopter base to Chino
Source: Rim of the World, 14-Aug-09
SCE is relocating its fleet of aviation workhorses from LA/Ontario International Airport to the less-congested Chino Airport. The county’s Department of Airports and the Real Estate Services Dept had been in discussions with SCE regarding this relocation since August 2006.
Niagara Helicopters Announces Special Offer for Niagara Falls GO Train Visitors
Source: Niagara Helicopters, 15-Jul-09
Mining drives expansion at Ontario operator Forest Helicopters
Source: Northern Ontario Business, 08-Jul-09
