TORONTO — At the heart of Ontario’s emergency preparedness system stands an elite but often under-recognized force: the Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine. This team of physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and emergency management specialists is trained to respond quickly and effectively to crises of all kinds — from natural disasters and mass casualty events to supporting paramedics in real time during routine emergencies.
This week, Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, paid tribute to the Centre’s work, calling them “medical heroes” in a visit that highlighted the province’s investment in emergency resilience.
“Whether it’s connecting emergency responders on the ground with emergency physicians or dispatching a 56-bed mobile medical field unit anywhere in our province within 24 hours — this team stands at the ready,” said Dunlop in a social media statement, praising their readiness, coordination, and dedication.
When an emergency hits the Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine is there.
Whether it’s connecting emergency responders on the ground with emergency physicians or dispatching a 56-bed mobile medical field unit anywhere in our province within 24 hours – this team of doctors,… pic.twitter.com/u85gDnxvaM
— Jill Dunlop (@JillDunlop1) June 2, 2025
A Provincial Lifeline in Times of Crisis
Based at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Centre for Prehospital Medicine is the medical control hub for paramedic services in Ontario, overseeing the clinical standards and operational coordination of first responders across the province. Their mandate is far-reaching:
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Mobile Medical Response: The unit is equipped to deploy a 56-bed mobile field hospital with surgical and intensive care capacity — designed to be on-site within 24 hours in emergencies such as mass casualty incidents, pandemics, or natural disasters.
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Paramedic Support: On the frontline, paramedics across Ontario can connect with Sunnybrook physicians in real time to receive critical care guidance in the field, helping save lives before a patient ever reaches the hospital.
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Training & Simulation: The Centre trains paramedics, dispatchers, and emergency medical responders with high-fidelity simulations and ongoing education, ensuring they are ready for the unpredictable.
An Essential Piece of Ontario’s Public Safety Strategy
As Ontario continues to face evolving public safety threats — from wildfires and pandemics to infrastructure failures and climate-related emergencies — Sunnybrook’s mobile health capabilities have become a vital piece of the province’s resilience framework.
In recent years, the Centre has partnered with provincial agencies and local emergency services to coordinate care during major incidents, providing surge capacity when hospitals are overwhelmed and offering tele-support to remote responders during crises.
A System Built on Preparation
The strength of Ontario’s emergency response isn’t just measured in equipment or logistics, but in the skill and training of the people behind it. At Sunnybrook, that system is built on constant readiness.
In recognizing the work of the Centre, Minister Dunlop emphasized the importance of continued investment in emergency management infrastructure and professional development:
“These are the dedicated professionals who train tirelessly to be ready when it matters most.”
As Ontario continues to enhance its emergency preparedness across sectors, the Centre for Prehospital Medicine remains a model for readiness, innovation, and collaboration.
📍 For more information about the Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine, visit: https://sunnybrook.ca/prehospital
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