License for Patient Transfer vs. Paramedic Service
Hey everyone!
I've spent quite a lot of time the past couple of weeks scouring the internet, and phoning all sorts of different people at both the MTO, MOH, and CVOR registrar, yet cannot seem to find the solid answer to this question, so I'm wondering if anyone here may know: why is one able to operate an ambulance for a patient transfer service with a G class license, but an F class is required once that ambulance is being operated by a paramedic service?
Just for some insight;
- despite what the HTA and o. reg 340/94 (Drivers' Licenses) says, it is NOT required to have an F class license to operate an ambulance for a patient transfer service
- a Paramedic ambulance is not technically considered a commercial vehicle (confirmed with MTO & CVOR), meaning ambulances & paramedics are exempt from hours of service rules, etc.
- I'm completely aware of how unregulated and chaotic the world of non-emergent patient transfer is, I'm just trying to understand solely the way the licensing is viewed differently between the 2 by the MTO.
If anyone has a concrete answer to this question, and is able to provide a reference that would be much appreciated.
Edited to add:
- it’s not the “lights and sirens thing”; confirmed by the MTO
- I’m aware you need an F class to be a paramedic. I’m not questioning the credentials required to be a paramedic. When it comes to actual licensing, paramedic or otherwise, in writing it states to drive ANY ambulance you MUST have an F class license. I’m looking for the answer as to why a patient transfer ambulance is seemingly exempt from this, although that does not seem to be written down anywhere.