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New 911 dispatch system in Simcoe County will prioritize critical calls

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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.

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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