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New research aims to protect paramedics against COVID-19 by studying their blood - CBC.ca

New research aims to protect paramedics against COVID-19 by studying their blood - CBC.ca

New research aims to protect paramedics against COVID-19 by studying their blood - CBC.ca
Apr 12, 2021 1 min, 0 secs

Researchers are analyzing blood samples from Ontario paramedics to see if they are being adequately protected against COVID-19 and to determine how many have developed antibodies since the pandemic began.

Close to 900 paramedics in Ontario have already volunteered to participate, including about 35 in Ottawa, said Tracy Kirkham, a scientist at the Occupational Cancer Research Centre at Ontario Health and one of the project's primary investigators.

"It's about protecting paramedics," Kirkham said.

"We're really hoping we can identify what increases and decreases the risk of infection and also learn how paramedic risk may compare to other occupations.".

The data may also indicate how many paramedics were out in the field while unknowingly being infected with COVID-19.

"Out in the field, paramedics are often performing these tasks on the floor or sometimes even in more awkward conditions," Kirkham said.

The research provides a great opportunity to learn how to keep everyone virus free, not just paramedics, said Darryl Wilton, president of the Ontario Paramedic Association.

They're actively seeking 5,000 paramedics to participate in the project, and will open up eligibility to paramedics in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the coming weeks.

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