East Ontario paramedics to prioritize medical 911 calls with new system
Posted Jan 25, 2025 02:56:23 PM.
Last Updated Jan 27, 2025 09:52:56 AM.
Paramedic services across South Eastern Ontario and the Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre (KCACC) are implementing a new system for 911 calls that ensure those with the most imminent risk are responders’ top priority.
People who call 911 for a medical emergency, can expect to answer new, detailed questions about each patient’s condition to determine the highest priority cases. Those deemed urgent will be responded to as quickly as possible, but those who have called for non-life-threatening matters should expect longer wait times. Callers for less-urgent cases will be supported through regular contact with ambulance communications officers.
“The new system is a time-tested, scientifically proven, advanced set of technical tools to help paramedics, ambulance communications officers, and emergency department teams ensure that each patient receives the right care at the right time,” Chris Wicklam, Director of the KCACC, said in a press release. “It increases precision, accuracy, and efficiency in emergency medical response; and it ensures our emergency department colleagues are able to return paramedics to service as quickly as possible after each call.”
KCACC communications officers receive 911 medical calls and coordinate paramedic dispatch across southeastern Ontario including form Lennox and Addington Paramedic Services, Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, Lanark County Paramedic Service, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, and Frontenac Paramedics.
The new system, called the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), is in use in across the world. It is already in place in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel, Halton, York and Niagara. It will soon be standard across the province.
“Paramedics, ambulance communications officers, and emergency department colleagues are here 24-7 for everyone who calls 911,” Jeff Carss, Chief of Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, said in a press release. “MPDS is just one more way for all of us to further ensure every patient finds the right pathway to the services they need most.”
The new system will come into place beginning Feb. 5.
