MAPLETON – Changes to medical response systems better enable paramedics to triage emergencies and respond more quickly to people with serious illness and injuries.
That’s according to Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Service chief Stephen Dewar, who provided an update on the new dispatch system on Dec. 9.
The changeover to the new system happened during the first week of December, and Dewar said it was a success.
“The Ontario Ministry of Health implemented the medical priority dispatch system (MPDS) at Cambridge Central Ambulance Communications Centre,” Dewar said.
He described MPDS as a “proven software system used in over 35,000 ambulance communication centres across more than 46 countries.
“It helps dispatchers better determine which 911 calls need help first based on the severity of the medical condition. Whether it’s cardiac arrest, severe allergic reaction or unconsciousness, MPDS ensures that life-threatening emergencies receive the fastest and highest level of care possible,” Dewar said.
“In the past, paramedics could be tied up responding to less urgent calls while someone in critical need waits. MPDS changes that. It better prioritizes the most urgent calls, giving paramedics a better chance to save lives.”
Dewar said the system will also mean less lights and sirens on the road and better use of emergency support resources – “something we know is vital in today’s health care landscape.”
The new system has also changed which medical emergencies firefighters will respond to, Dewar added.
He offered assurances that “less urgent” calls would not be ignored – for example calls about sprained ankles, flu symptoms or broken bones without bleeding “will still receive care – however they may need to wait a little longer if paramedics are attending to more urgent cases.”
He said 911 dispatchers will ask more detailed questions to assess urgency, and the more information callers provide the better they can be supported.
“They may be asked the same questions more than once, by dispatchers, paramedics and other responders. This repetition doesn’t delay care – it ensures accuracy and safety,” Dewar said.
“This change is about saving lives, improving safety and making sure our paramedic services are used as effectively as possible.”
He added, “We know waiting for help can be stressful and we want residents to know that every call matters.
“Our paramedics are committed to getting to you as quickly as possible and MPDS will help us do just that.”
