May 31, 2023 at 4:30 PM
Today we remember the four Ornge crew members that died tragically after their Sikorsky S76 helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on May 31, 2013.
Captain Don Filliter, co-pilot Jacques Dupuy, and flight paramedics Dustin Dagenais and Chris Snowball had just lifted off to pick up a patient in the remote James Bay community of Attawapiskat when the helicopter they were onboard crashed in Moosonee, Ontario. Dustin and Chris were members of Unifor Local 2002, District 344.
"On the anniversary of this heart-breaking disaster, I want to assure members of Ornge, particularly the families and friends of those that perished, that these four individuals will not be forgotten," said Tammy Moore, Unifor Local 2002 President. "These brave souls provided care to patients, often in the most dire of situations. Their lives and the service they performed will always be remembered."
The accident sparked much debate for improved safety management systems, as well as the need for improved training requirements when operating aircraft in pitch darkness.
In 2017, an Ontario court found that the employer was not negligent in the accident, however the judge took aim at Ornge stating that that steps could have been taken – such as installing an autopilot and a ground proximity alarm – and providing night-vision goggles. Any number of these applications may have avoided or reduced the possibility of the accident.
Unifor continues to push for improved health and safety in all workplaces, regardless of the scope of work being performed. No one should go to work at the start of a shift and not return home.
Captain Don Filliter
Co-pilot Jacques Dupuy
Flight paramedic Dustin Dagenais
Flight paramedic Chris Snowball
/23-05-31 Remembering the Ornge crew 10 years on EN.txt