Importance of Paramedics Services Week
Winnipeg Watch
Ryan Sneath, Deputy Chief of Paramedics with WFPS talks about why Paramedics Services Week is important and how many emergency calls the city handles.
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Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
CVS vs. Amazon: Healthcare Battle Continues- Which Stock to Buy Now?
Amazon 's AMZN entry into healthcare was once seen as a major existential threat to traditional players like CVS Health CVS. From its 2018 acquisition of PillPack to the rapid expansion of Amazon Pharmacy, AI-powered prescription fulfillment, RxPass discounts for Prime members, and even drone-based drug delivery, Amazon has quickly shaken up the retail pharmacy landscape, prompting investor concerns about the long-term viability of brick-and-mortar drugstores. Its recent moves into diagnostics in India and AI-enhanced primary care via One Medical have only reinforced its ambition to redefine healthcare as a logistics- and data-driven service. But CVS hasn't stood still. After a tough 2024 marked by cost headwinds at its Aetna insurance unit, the company is staging a strong comeback in 2025, now among the top 10 S&P 500 performers year to date. In the first quarter of 2025, CVS posted $95 billion in revenue and continued expanding its vertically integrated ecosystem, including Oak Street Health clinics, Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans and over 9,000 retail locations. What once looked like an asymmetrical battle is now shaping into a true rivalry. With Amazon driving digital-first, scalable models powered by generative AI and logistics strength and CVS focusing on integrated care and physical access, investors are currently watching closely to see who will ultimately lead the next era of healthcare delivery. Let's discuss in detail. Physical Footprint vs. Digital Deployment CVS Health continues to capitalize on its vast physical footprint, boasting over 9,000 retail pharmacies across the United States, alongside its insurance arm, Aetna, and a growing network of Oak Street Health clinics. This infrastructure enables CVS Health to offer coordinated, in-person care with integrated logistics, pharmacy, and insurance services under one umbrella. The company's ability to deliver both routine and specialized care locally makes it a go-to player for communities seeking trusted, comprehensive healthcare access. In contrast, while it lacks a clinic network, Amazon is leaning into its core strength, logistics. Its recent launch of at-home diagnostics in six Indian cities via a partnership with Orange Health sent shockwaves through the market, triggering concerns for local diagnostics giants. By integrating test booking directly into its app, Amazon is building a tech-enabled healthcare layer on top of its existing consumer base and delivery infrastructure, reinforcing its push toward frictionless, on-demand healthcare. Integrated Clinical Model vs. Tech-Fueled Efficiency CVS Health is building a vertically integrated healthcare ecosystem that brings together insurance (Aetna), pharmacy services, and care delivery, offering patients a cohesive, end-to-end experience. In Q1 2025, CVS Health reported that Medicare Advantage members who use CVS pharmacies experienced 3% lower medical costs, a reflection of stronger medication adherence and care coordination. Amazon, meanwhile, is pursuing a modular, tech-driven approach. Through Amazon One Medical in the United States, the company is embedding generative AI tools, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), HealthScribe and Bedrock, directly into clinical workflows, slashing physicians' administrative time by around 40%. Beyond primary care, AWS is expanding its healthcare footprint with AI-powered solutions in diagnostics, medical coding, drug discovery, and operational efficiency. Rather than integrating care under one roof, Amazon is redefining each function with digital tools that emphasize productivity, scalability, and user experience. CVS Eighth on the S&P 500 Chart, AMZN at No. 262 After a rough 2024, marked by high utilization at its Aetna insurance unit, as well as reimbursement pressure, CVS Health has experienced a dramatic recovery so far in 2025. The stock has become the S&P 500's eighth-best performer, with a year-to-date return of 56%, thereby outperforming all other index members by a significant margin. Amazon, on the other hand, is at number 262 on the chart with a 1.8% gain. These compare to the benchmark's 5.1% rise during this period. YTD Price Performances of CVS and AMZN Comparing EPS Projections: CVS Health & Amazon The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVS' 2025 earnings per share suggests a 12.7% improvement from 2024. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMZN's 2025 EPS implies an improvement of 12.5% over the previous fiscal. CVS is Attractively Valued Than AMZN CVS is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing healthcare stocks, of 10.48X, above its five-year median of 9.45X. Meanwhile, Amazon is presently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings of 33.3X, which is below its five-year median of 55.1X. This suggests that while CVS may appear slightly elevated compared with its own historical average, it remains attractively valued relative to CVS. Buy CVS Now, Hold AMZN While Amazon is making bold, tech-driven plays in healthcare, CVS Health is firmly holding its ground with a focused, integrated strategy. Backed by a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), CVS is outperforming the market in 2025 through strong Medicare Advantage growth and disciplined execution. Amazon, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, remains an innovator, but its healthcare efforts are still maturing and carry greater execution risk. For near-term earnings prospects and sector leadership, CVS stands out as the better investment today. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. CVS Health Corporation (CVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
B.C. launches working group to address safety in supportive housing
British Columbia's government is forming a working group to tackle a number of safety issues in supportive housing, including concerns over drug trafficking, weapons and second-hand exposure to fentanyl. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says consideration is being given to removing the facilities from the Residential Tenancy Act, which would allow housing providers to kick out dangerous people taking advantage of vulnerable tenants. The announcement comes after a number of recent incidents, including a fire on June 11 at the former Howard Johnson hotel in Vancouver that injured two people. Fire crews say they have been called to the site more than 900 times since the facility was converted to supportive housing in 2020, and police also say they have been called to the location thousands of times during the same period. Downtown business groups in Vancouver and Victoria have made recent pleas to government about doing more to address the public safety situation, with the deteriorating conditions severely hampering local shops' ability to continue operating. Kahlon says in a statement that the working group will involve law enforcement, supportive housing providers, union representatives and B.C. Housing "to ensure safety for tenants and workers is paramount." "We have heard from providers that they need more authority to take action and keep people safe, and we will be working with our partners to find a path forward that ensures people can live in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment," Kahlon said. The ministry also says it is working with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control to look into the impact of the toxic drug crisis on supportive housing. It says early results from testing 14 buildings in both Victoria and Vancouver show that some supportive housing areas may be "more likely to have elevated levels of airborne fentanyl, above the limit WorkSafeBC has established." The province says there have been almost 7,500 new supportive housing units opened in B.C. since 2017, and another 2,900 are in progress.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Nova Scotia makes progress in detection of life-threatening sepsis at ERs
Paramedics are seen at the Dartmouth General Hospital in Dartmouth, N.S., on July 4, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's health system is improving its methods for early detection of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to infection by attacking the body's organs. Introduced in January 2024, the new program offers front-line caregivers in emergency rooms new tools and training to help them determine when patients might be at risk. The reform comes after several high-profile deaths over the past five years, with families of deceased patients arguing their loved ones could have been saved had their infections been caught earlier. Data released by Nova Scotia Health says prior to January 2024 about 55 per cent of patients at six health facilities who met criteria for sepsis were receiving antibiotic treatment within three hours after triage, for an average wait of 233 minutes. Now, it's about 82 per cent of patients receiving the vital treatment within three hours, with the average wait down to 124 minutes. Dr. Vanessa Sweet, a medical lead in the program, said in a recent interview that quick response to sepsis is critical to saving lives. The reform is an 'enormous improvement,' she said. The program includes what she refers to as 'a package of approaches,' which include offering front-line workers a box of supplies needed for starting sepsis care. A new set of directives also allows nurses to administer a first dose of antibiotics without a prescriber's signature, in select cases where symptoms are clear. The new approaches are critical in cases where time is often of the essence, said Sweet. The anesthesiologist said by having nurses take the first step, 'we're not behind the eight ball' when the patient sees a doctor. In a recent email to The Canadian Press, Kim DeWolfe says she hopes her mother's case factored into the province's decision to improve its sepsis detection and care. In 2022, Diane Breen died from sepsis after spending eight hours waiting at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, N.S., before being briefly seen by a doctor about a urinary tract infection. Breen — a runner without health conditions — had told medical staff about a week of chills and cold sweats, but she was nonetheless discharged to her home with an antibiotic prescription, according to family. Within hours, she was dead. 'For me, this initiative is an acknowledgment that there were things that could have been done differently which may have resulted in a different outcome for my mother,' DeWolfe said. 'From triage to discharge no one adequately screened my mother for sepsis.' 'I support these changes. Proper screening, along with these kits, will save lives.' Sweet, who has been practicing in Nova Scotia since 2017, said that before the program was introduced, a review showed 'our sepsis care wasn't as good as it should be.' A key element of the new program are staff 'sepsis champions' in ERs, where a health worker on each shift is available for expert advice in recognizing the condition. Kayla Dort, an emergency care nurse and program champion at the Cobequid Community Health Centre, said in an interview Friday that spotting the condition isn't easy. 'We see it all the time. It's a very prominent and difficult illness to capture sometimes,' she said. Nurses now have access to a small card that explains the criteria to investigate potential sepsis, including factors such as elevated temperature, abnormal heart rate, and decreased blood pressure. As well, nurses are also asked to consider risk factors such as whether patients are suffering from other illnesses. Dort has pioneered a small slogan that is posted around ERs titled, 'Time is organ,' with an hourglass depicting the passage of time — a reference to how the condition can damage organs and tissue if untreated. The program will be expanded to one of the city's largest hospitals, the Halifax Infirmary, this fall, she said. Meanwhile, a team of Canadian researchers has created a device that can quickly test a patient's blood and predict whether they are going to develop sepsis. The device — called Powerblade — produced the results in less than three hours. Researchers, including with the National Research Council Canada, were hoping to begin a clinical trial with Powerblade this year. Dr. Claudia dos Santos at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, who is the senior author of a research paper about Powerblade published in May in the journal Nature Communications, says sepsis kills thousands of people in Canada and close to 50 million people worldwide every year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025.
