Effective September 30, 2007, Toronto Hatzoloh responders will be permitted to use green flashing lights on their cars while on the way to medical emergencies. This authority was granted to Hatzoloh by an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, put forward by Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield. This was a multi-year effort by Hatzoloh and we would like to express our deep appreciation to Minister Cansfield for her vital support and encouragement and everyone at the Ministry of Transportation who brought this effort to reality.

While the legislation was brought forward at Hatzoloh’s initiative, St. John Ambulance Ontario has also been seeking such MTO validation and, through their efforts, have also been given the same approval and will be transitioning their vehicles to green lights as well. Prior to the amendment, only volunteer firefighters (typically located in rural areas) and some fire command vehicles were permitted to use flashing green lights on their vehicles. Hatzoloh and St. John Ambulance are the only two organizations who were granted the extension of this right and we are honoured to be in such distinguished company.

While green lights will not allow our responders to violate any traffic laws, they will serve to make drivers aware that Hatzoloh responders are on the way to an emergency, so that they can pull over and allow our responders the right of way. This can reduce the length of time it may take our responders to reach an emergency, which can make the difference between life and death.

So, if you see a green flashing light, pull over and be our partner in saving lives.

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