Workplace Medical Corp

The program is designed to offer firefighters quick access to specialized medical examinations when there is reason to believe that they many have been exposed to chemical, biological or physical hazards after responding to a call. We ensure that the firefighters family physician receives the information needed in order to conduct the appropriate medical treatment and follow-up.

It also provides the fire department with the information it needs in order to protect the firefighter from further harm, by identifying the appropriate medical restrictions and limitations that should be applied.

No. This program will be strictly voluntary.

All medical information will remain confidential, in compliance with Canadian privacy law. The only document that will be forwarded to the employer is a Fitness Certificate which will list the tests that were conducted and provide the employer with functional information, such as fit for duty without restrictions, fit for duty with restrictions or unfit for duty. The firefighters family doctor will receive a copy of the actual medical records and test results.

Your firefighters have a right to access their medical records. They can approach their family doctor to request copies of the records.

As needed, our occupational health physician will, with the employees written consent, communicate with the firefighters treating physician regarding test results and the need for further medical follow-up.

Get one! Physicians who are accepting new patients are listed on the College of Physicians and Surgeons website: http://www.cpso.on.ca.

The medical information will be obtained and evaluated in order to protect the firefighters health following an incident. If temporary restrictions are medically indicated, these will be communicated to the employer on the Fitness Certificate so that the employer can accommodate the firefighter with modified work. Permanent restrictions or a finding of permanently unfit for duty are an extremely rare occurance.

No. The medical screening is initiated only after a more serious or unique call. Our medical director will communicate with the fire chief after such calls to assess the environmental and individual conditions and will then make a determination as to how best to proceed.

Usually, yes. This is the best way to assess whether certain toxins have been absorbed into the body, and to see what, if any, affect those toxins have had.

Yes.

No.