Rabies and Animal Bite Investigations

RCDHU responded to emergencies with partners in 2023, including flooding, a helicopter crash, and adverse air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Through proactive planning, coordination, and effective communication, RCDHU strengthened its ability to respond to these challenges and safeguard the health and well-being of the community.

Spring Flooding

In the spring, RCD experienced increased water flow and local flooding due to rapid snowmelt. In response, RCDHU collaborated in freshet meetings with local municipal partners, provincial partners, and involved organizations.

RCDHU participated in Emergency Control Group meetings and offered emergency response support and guidance regarding health effects of contaminated well water, malfunctioning private septic systems, and mouldy living spaces. Increased access to well water testing was made available to communities in need by setting up water bottle pick up locations near the affected area.

Throughout the emergency, RCDHU promoted awareness of health hazards and shared safety messaging with residents, leading to over 78,143 social media views for flooding messaging.

Helicopter Crash

In June, a military helicopter crashed into the Ottawa River, near the Town of Petawawa. Tragically, two pilots died in the crash. As part of the response to this emergency, RCDHU conducted a risk assessment to ensure the safety of the Town of Petawawa’s drinking water supply, which is sourced from the Ottawa River. In collaboration with Garrison Petawawa, the Town of Petawawa, Ontario Clean Water Agency, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, and provincial public health partners, RCDHU was able to confirm the safety of the water supply from the Ottawa River and ensure its ongoing protection. After briefly stopping water intake from the river as a precautionary measure, the water intake was resumed.

Wildfire Smoke

Over the summer, RCD experienced 23 days when poor air quality statements were released. Smoke plumes from forest fires throughout Ontario and Quebec led to reduced visibility and deteriorated air quality across the region. RCDHU offered guidance to municipal partners, healthcare organizations, school boards, daycares, and the public on managing health effects and reducing health impacts related to poor air quality.

Broad health safety messaging was provided through various channels including media releases, website updates, and social media posts. This resulted in a total of 135,141 online views throughout the wildfire smoke events.