Delta Air Crash: Paramedics on the Frontline of a Mass Casualty Incident In this gripping episode of Critical Levels, host Zach Cantor sits down with Ornge Critical Care paramedics Colin and Darren to discuss their response to the February 2025 Delta crash at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

From the initial plume of smoke spotted mid-flight to interagency coordination on the ground, they share how training, adaptability, and teamwork guided decisions under extreme pressure. Key Topics: • First impressions from the air and immediate decision-making • Mass casualty triage in an unpredictable environment • The challenges of communication across multiple agencies • The value of leadership, adaptability, and humility under stress • Interdisciplinary and interagency debriefs: lessons learned • Mental health, recovery, and supporting paramedics after major incidents

Takeaway: Mass casualty incidents test every part of the emergency response system. Preparation, communication, and collaboration—not just within one service, but across all responders—make the difference.