New 911 dispatch system in Simcoe County will prioritize critical calls
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.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
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.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
The Body Shop Canada to be sold to Serruya Private Equity
The Body Shop Canada is due to be sold to a company led by the co-founder of frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz.
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC
Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade.
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.
Kitchener
-
140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont.
A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning.
-
Another blast of winter weather coming our way
After a few days of warmer weather, winter is making its return.
-
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
London
-
Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect, as much as 80cm possible in some areas
More snow is expected to roll through the region this afternoon, and it’s coming out swinging.
-
Accused in bush bash shooting testifies claiming he feared for his life
Testifying in his own defence, Carlos Guerra Guerra said he showed up to the bush party for young people in a field off of Pack Road in southwest London in July of 2021 after his friend Emily Altmann called him for help.
-
Man assaults and disarms police in Hyde Park bank: London police
Police responded to the business, and upon their arrival the man was asked to leave. He then threw an object in the direction of two police officers.
Windsor
-
Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road
Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck.
-
Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake
An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations.
-
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect
As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs.
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria
A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA
Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario.
-
SPONSORED
SPONSORED Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough?
When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage?
Ottawa
-
Council approves 3.9% tax hike in 2025 City of Ottawa budget, hikes senior monthly fares $9
City council has voted to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget that will include scaled back fares hikes for seniors and retain youth discount passes while raising taxes across the board for most homeowners.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Teenager seriously injured in west-end stabbing
Ottawa paramedics say a teenager suffered serious injuries after a stabbing in Ottawa's west end on Wednesday evening.
-
Driver receives $10K in fines for speeding 134 km/h over speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa, police say
An Ottawa driver faces $10,000 in fines and is banned from driving for two years after being observed going 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174.
Toronto
-
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
-
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
-
Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago
Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river.
Montreal
-
Montreal billionaire Robert Miller facing new sex charges
Montreal billionaire Robert Miller is facing new criminal charges as he waits to go on trial on several sex offences.
-
Quebec hockey referees speak out about being subjected to violence on the ice
Hockey can be a violent sport but it’s not only the players receiving the blows. In a three-part report, Noovo Info uncovered stories of referees who have been badly injured on the ice, with some suffering scarring, head trauma and PTSD.
-
Montreal plans to turn Molson Brewery site into residential neighbourhood
The old industrial Molson Brewery site downtown Montreal will be transformed into a residential neighbourhood with a public park and some 5,000 housing units.
Atlantic
-
Officer receives suspension after two Mi'kmaq elver fishers left without boots
A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay for his role in arresting two Mi'kmaq elver fishers late at night and releasing them in only their socked feet.
-
Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant: N.S. RCMP
The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant.
-
Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region
More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget
Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year.
-
'We're not used to it this year': Extreme cold impacting Winnipeggers
The extreme cold has settled over much of Manitoba and the bone chilling temperatures are impacting people across the province, including in Winnipeg.
-
Woman, 72, dies following crash on Highway 41: RCMP
A 72-year-old woman is dead following a crash on an icy Manitoba highway Tuesday morning.
Calgary
-
'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle
A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father.
-
Woman found badly injured along Nose Creek Pathway dies in hospital
A woman who was on life support after she was found badly injured in Calgary's northeast has died.
-
Calgary dry cleaner who pays it forward by feeding and clothing homeless says city hall throws up roadblocks
Imran Rajpoot, owner of Calgary-based Dolphin Dry Cleaners, has been providing essential clothing and food to many in Calgary’s homeless population for years.
Edmonton
-
Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories
A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars.
-
Nurse 'best D' on Oilers as NHL team extends winning ways
Darnell Nurse has been a difference-maker for the Edmonton Oilers in their recent resurgence.
-
Struggling in your search for a sandbox in Edmonton? You're not alone
Some Edmontonians are finding the recent weather difficult to navigate without the help of city-supplied traction materials.
Regina
-
'A reasonable compromise': Council forgives Riders of over $1 million in unpaid rent
Regina City Council forgave the Saskatchewan Roughriders of more than $1 million in unpaid rent payments at their meeting Wednesday.
-
Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask.
Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week.
-
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
Saskatoon
-
Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns
The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies.
-
'Whatever anybody can donate': Sask. man uses school bus to help people stay warm
A Saskatchewan man who turned a school bus into a warmup shelter says his nonprofit desperately needs donations.
-
University of Saskatchewan's historic building slated for demolition
There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it.
Vancouver
-
'He's building community': Video of joyful Surrey school crossing guard goes viral
A video showcasing a well-liked Surrey school crossing guard has been viewed tens of thousands of times on social media.
-
Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island
Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device.
-
Bank of Canada interest rate drop good news for mortgage holders
A major cut to the Bank of Canada’s key interest comes as welcome news to realtors and those holding variable rate mortgages – but it also signals a growing sense of uncertainty about the broader Canadian economy.
Vancouver Island
-
Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island
Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device.
-
No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert
A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert.
-
Commercial truck driver fired, facing charges after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver
A commercial truck driver has been fired and is facing potential impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C.
