What have you encountered in the first aid in Canada? Share your story with the world

Patients, doctors, nurses, and medical organizations in Canada have long been raising concerns about the dire state of emergency medical care in the country. The recent tragic death of a teenager in Ontario has once again brought attention to the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare system.

Finlay van der Werken passed away in February 2024 after waiting over eight hours to be seen by a doctor in a hospital in Oakville. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, sepsis, and hypoxia, highlighting the dangerous consequences of long wait times and overcrowded emergency departments.

The Van der Werken family, like many others, believe that while there is awareness about the challenges facing the healthcare system, there seems to be a sense of complacency. Hazel van der Werken is calling for significant changes to be made to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Experts and patients alike have been vocal about the overcrowding, understaffing, and underfunding of hospitals across the country. These issues not only pose risks to patients’ health but can also lead to fatal outcomes.

The question now is: what can be done to address these pressing issues in Canada’s emergency medical care system? How can provincial and federal leaders work together to improve the situation and ensure timely and effective treatment for all Canadians?

We want to hear from you. What has been your experience with emergency care in Canada? Have you or your loved ones faced challenges in accessing timely medical attention? What do you think needs to change to address these issues effectively?

Share your story with us by filling out the form below or sending an email to public@globeandmail.com. Your input is valuable in shedding light on the urgent need for reforms in Canada’s emergency medical care system. Let’s work together to ensure that every Canadian has access to prompt and quality healthcare when they need it most.