New 911 dispatch system in Simcoe County will prioritize critical calls
A Simcoe County ambulance in Barrie, Ont.
The province is changing how 911 calls are dispatched across Simcoe County with a faster, more effective system prioritizing life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, unconsciousness or choking.
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The Medical Priority Dispatch System requires dispatchers to ask more detailed questions to determine which 911 callers require help first, rather than risking having emergency services respond to a non-urgent call when a more critical one comes in.
"Patients with non-life-threatening needs may receive a delayed response from paramedics as a result; however, dispatchers will remain in contact with callers, ensuring they remain stable and are able to safely wait until paramedics can respond to their needs," states a release from the County.
The County says the system ensures the best use of emergency resources.
The new system will launch in November.
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