Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative

What Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative does

The Coopérative des paramédics de l'Outaouais (CPO) is a Quebec worker cooperative founded in August 1989 that operates as the sole licensed prehospital emergency and ambulance services provider for the entire Outaouais region. It serves approximately 370,000 citizens across more than 76 municipalities spanning 33,456 km², including Grand Gatineau, Haute-Gatineau, Petite Nation, Pontiac, and La Lièvre. The cooperative dispatches 24/7 from 12 stations (one headquarters in Gatineau plus 11 satellite stations) using a fleet of 41 vehicles — currently transitioning from conventional ambulances to a hybrid propane/electric fleet initiated in March 2020 — and handles approximately 44,500 calls resulting in roughly 32,500 transports per year. It is consistently cited as one of the ten largest prehospital emergency service organizations in Quebec, with 272 members including paramedics, professionals, and administrative staff.

Core operations are built around the Quebec 911 emergency dispatch system, government-regulated medical protocols, and specialized equipment (defibrillators, CPAP/BPAP, combitubes, electric stretchers). The cooperative operates a Centre de Formation (training center) certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and NAEMT, offering CPR, first aid, ACLS, PHTLS, AMLS, and tactical medical courses (LEFR-TCC, TCCC) to the general public, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. It also maintains unique brand assets including an official coat of arms granted by the Heraldic Authority of Canada in 2016, a service-medal program, and Andy — a remote-controlled robot-ambulance used for community outreach. As a worker cooperative, every employee is a member-owner with democratic governance, ristournes (profit-sharing), and elected board representation.

Revenue is generated primarily through Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS)-regulated ambulance transport fees ($125 base plus $1.75/km for Quebec residents; $400 base plus $1.75/km for non-residents) and government healthcare funding covering exempted populations (seniors 65+, welfare recipients, SAAQ road-accident victims, CNESST workplace-accident victims, Indigenous/Inuit on reserve, Canadian Forces, veterans, inter-facility transfers). Supplementary revenue comes from training course fees ($65–$350 per course) and contracted coordination with CISSS de l'Outaouais. The cooperative does not bill insurers directly; patients seek reimbursement from their own insurance. Distribution is exclusively regional via 911 dispatch, with administrative billing support at the headquarters, online payment, and the training center.

Name

Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative

Legal name

Coopérative des paramédics de l'Outaouais

Website

https://paramedic.coop

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative is a Quebec worker cooperative holding exclusive government permits to provide 24/7 prehospital emergency and ambulance services across the 33,456 km² Outaouais territory, serving ~370,000 citizens with 41 vehicles, 12 stations, and 272 members, complemented by a certified training center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Medical Services / Prehospital Ambulance Services

NAICS

Ambulance Services (621910)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Private EMS Providers (Contract/Interfacility) (HLAFANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) & Ambulance Services (BPAIAGAC), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations & Dispatch (HLAJAGAC)

Keywords

• Prehospital emergency services
• Ambulance transport services
• Emergency medical response
• CPR and first aid training
• Tactical medical training

Headquarters

HQ city

Gatineau

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Ambulance Transport Fees (Patient-Paid): Fees charged to patients for ambulance transport, as regulated by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services. Rates are standardized across Quebec: $125 base charge plus $1.75 per kilometer. Additional fees apply for extra patients ($35 each). Non-residents of Canada pay $400 base plus $1.75/km. These fees are typically partially covered by government subsidies, insurance, or exemptions for eligible populations (seniors 65+, welfare recipients, accident victims).
2. Government Healthcare Funding: The Quebec government funds the majority of the prehospital emergency system. Government exceptions cover full costs for road accident victims (SAAQ), workplace accident victims (employer), inter-facility transfers (healthcare establishments), seniors 65+, and social assistance recipients. Federal government covers costs for Canadian Forces members, veterans, registered Indigenous/Inuit populations, and incarcerated individuals.
3. Training Center Revenue: The cooperative operates a certified training center offering courses to the general public, healthcare professionals, and police. Courses are certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and NAEMT. Revenue from course fees ($65 to $350 per course) provides supplementary income and community engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Coopérative des paramédics de l'Outaouais (CPO) is a worker cooperative providing 24/7 prehospital emergency medical care and ambulance transport across the entire Outaouais territory (~370,000 citizens, 76+ municipalities, 33,456 km²). It supplements this core service with a certified Training Centre (Centre de formation) that delivers Heart and Stroke Foundation and NAEMT accredited courses in CPR, first aid, advanced cardiac/trauma life support, and tactical medicine to healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the general public. The cooperative operates with a fleet of 41 vehicles including hybrid propane-electric ambulances, 12 stations, and 272+ members.

Product overview

Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative operates as a worker cooperative providing prehospital emergency services as its core product, serving the Outaouais region 24/7 with a fleet of approximately 41 vehicles. The cooperative complements its ambulance services with a Training Center (Centre de Formation) offering certified courses for the general public, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. Notable offerings include Andy, a robot-ambulance for community education (the first in Quebec), and Ambulance Demers vehicle modules with redesigned care compartments. Training programs include CPR/first aid certifications, healthcare professional courses (ACLS, PHTLS, AMLS), and tactical medical training for police forces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Prehospital Emergency Ambulance Services Core 24/7 prehospital emergency medical care and ambulance transport service covering the entire Outaouais territory (~370,000 citizens, 76+ municipalities, 33,456 km²). Handles approximately 44,500 emergency calls and 32,500 patient transports annually with a fleet of 41 vehicles across 12 stations. Includes inter-facility patient transfers.
• Centre de formation (Certified Training Centre) Certified training centre offering courses to the general public, healthcare professionals, police officers, and emergency responders. Courses are certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and NAEMT. Pricing ranges from $65 to $350 CAD per course, with custom on-site and Skype delivery available across Canada.
• CPR and First Aid Training Courses (RCR A+, RCR C+) Heart and Stroke Foundation certified basic life-saving courses for the general public, including RCR A+ Child and Adult ($65, 4 hours), RCR C+ Baby/Child/Adult ($75, 5 hours), and combined RCR C+ / Standard First Aid ($95, 8 hours). Covers CPR, AED use, and recognition of heart attack, stroke, and TIA.
• Advanced Life Support Training (ACLS, PHTLS, AMLS) Advanced certifications for healthcare professionals at $350 CAD each (16 hours). Includes Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), and Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS, internationally recognized certification valid 4 years). Certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation or NAEMT. Also offers CPR for Healthcare Professionals ($95, 6 hours).
• Law Enforcement Tactical Training (LEFR-TCC, TCCC) Tactical medical training for police, border agents, wildlife officers, security agents, and correctional officers. LEFR-TCC ($175 + taxes, 8 hours) covers hemorrhage control, tourniquets, and airway management in tactical environments. TCCC ($350, 16 hours) is the only training endorsed by the American College of Surgeons.
• Andy Robot-Ambulance Community Engagement Program Community education program using a remote-controlled robot-ambulance mascot to visit schools and public spaces across the Outaouais region. Discusses prevention, safety, and demonstrates ambulance features (sirens, emergency lights). Accompanied by paramedics and Boba the Fondation Mira emotional support dog.
• Ambulance Demers Co-Designed Care Module Vehicles Co-designed ambulance vehicle modules from Ambulance Demers featuring completely re-engineered configurations focusing on paramedic safety and ergonomics. The cooperative's hybrid propane-electric fleet reduces GHG emissions by approximately 26% per vehicle, with the first modified vehicle deployed in March 2020.

Quantifiable outcome

• CPR training triples the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) – Décanat à la formation continue et au service-conseil (DFCSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2025The CPO and UQO co-organize annual regional colloquia on leadership, emergency management, crisis communication, and change management for emergency services professionals. The 2nd edition was held May 6, 2025 on 'Leadership and Collective Intelligence in Emergency Services.' The 3rd edition is planned for May 2026 on 'Communicating, Adapting, Evolving Together in Emergencies.'
• Ambulances DemerscoreTechnology or Integration · 19 November 2021Ambulance Demers is an ambulance manufacturer that partnered with CPO for the unveiling of a new care module configuration for future electric ambulance vehicles on November 19, 2021. The care module was co-designed with and for paramedics, representing a major breakthrough in prehospital services safety and ergonomics. CPO expressed strong interest in acquiring electrified ambulance vehicles.
• Fédération des coopératives de paramédics du Québec (FCPQ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004The CPO is a member of the FCPQ, a provincial federation that provides a platform for inter-cooperative collaboration, collective bargaining, advocacy, best practice sharing, and mutual support among Quebec's paramedic cooperatives. The federation was created in 2004 to unite paramedic cooperatives across the province.
• CISSS de l'Outaouais (Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CPO collaborates with the CISSS de l'Outaouais on prehospital service contract negotiations with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, 24/7 coverage coordination, and joint emergency response. During COVID-19, CPO paramedics supported screening, vaccination, and CHSLD/RPA operations. The CPO is integrated into three emergency operations centers (Gatineau, Petite Nation, and Pontiac) during crises.
• CREDDO (Centre de référence des entrepreneurs et des décideurs pour un monde responsable)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCREDDO conducted a sustainable development audit of the CPO's operations, establishing a baseline of practices and identifying strengths and weaknesses. A detailed action plan was developed jointly with SADC Papineau-Collines and CREDDO following the audit.
• Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers du Québec (CTAQ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CTAQ represents the interests of paramedic technicians and is part of the cooperative movement supporting media workers at Groupe Capitales Médias. The CPO participates in joint initiatives with CTAQ, CAM, and CTAE to support democratic workplaces and press diversity.
• Coopérative des ambulanciers de la Mauricie (CAM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint initiative partner in the cooperative movement supporting media workers. CAM and CPO have collaborated on various regional and provincial matters including the 2025 conference where Jérémy Lachance (CAM) participated as a speaker.
• Coopérative de travailleurs d'ambulance de l'Estrie (CTAE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTAE participates in joint cooperative initiatives with CPO, CTAQ, and CAM supporting the cooperative movement and democratic workplaces, including the 2019 support campaign for Capitales Médias workers.
• Fondation MiraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CPO acquired Boba, a therapy and emotional support dog, from Fondation Mira for rehabilitation support. Boba accompanies the Andy robot-ambulance at community events to provide emotional comfort, particularly to children.
• Andy (Robot-Ambulance)minorOthersAndy is a remote-controlled robot-ambulance acquired by the CPO for community outreach, becoming the first robot-ambulance in Quebec. Andy visits schools and public places accompanied by paramedics and Boba the support dog to educate about safety and the paramedic profession.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Medical Response (AMR / Global Medical Response): Largest private EMS provider in North America operating 911 and interfacility services across thousands of communities. Comparable core capability in emergency and non-emergency medical transport but at vastly larger and publicly-traded scale.
• Acadian Ambulance Service: Privately held U.S. EMS operator with ground ambulance, air ambulance, and industrial safety services across multiple states. Comparable business scope in prehospital and patient transport, though operates across many jurisdictions rather than one exclusive territory.

Direct peers

• Coopérative de travailleurs d'ambulance de l'Estrie (CTAE): Estrie-region paramedic cooperative that participates in joint initiatives with CPO and other cooperatives under the FCPQ. Same worker-cooperative identity, exclusive-territory business model, and MSSS funding mechanics.
• Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMCI): Manages ground ambulance and EMS communications in PEI and parts of Atlantic Canada under government contracts. Closely comparable as a contracted, exclusive-territory, government-funded Canadian EMS operator.
• Urgences-santé: Quebec's public prehospital emergency service covering Greater Montreal and Laval. Comparable in core function (911 EMS dispatch and transport) but operates as a public agency rather than cooperative; relevant comparison for MSSS contracting models.
• Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers du Québec (CTAQ): Quebec paramedic cooperative representing technicians in the cooperative movement; partner in joint initiatives with CPO including the media-worker support campaign for Groupe Capitales Médias. Closely comparable structure and operating model.
• Medavie Health Services: Canadian not-for-profit organization managing ground and air ambulance services in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and other provinces. Comparable exclusive-territory EMS operating model and government-funded structure, though at much larger scale.
• Coopérative des ambulanciers de la Mauricie (CAM): Fellow worker cooperative in Quebec providing prehospital ambulance services under the Fédération des coopératives de paramédics du Québec (FCPQ). Operates with a similar member-owned model, government contracting, and training-center diversification, and is named in the CPO's joint initiative partnerships.

Emerging players

• STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society): Canadian non-profit air-ambulance and critical-care transport service operating in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and B.C. Comparable in mission-critical emergency medical response and government-funding mix, but specializes in air rather than ground transport.

Others

• Ambulances Demers: Quebec-based ambulance manufacturer and CPO's vehicle-technology partner (per November 2021 co-designed care-module unveiling). Adjacent ecosystem peer as the cooperative's primary supplier and partner in its electrification roadmap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CoopParamedic
• Facebookfacebook.com/CoopParamedic

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Outaouais Paramedics Cooperative