Huron County is updating the way medical emergencies are handled through 9-1-1 calls.
Starting October 14th, Huron County Paramedic Services will begin using the Medical Priority Dispatch System, or MPDS. The system is designed to help match the right paramedic response to a patient’s medical needs and make sure the most serious calls are handled first.
The system is already being used successfully in many communities across Ontario. Huron County Paramedic Services says most residents should notice little change when calling 9-1-1.
Callers may be asked a few additional questions by emergency dispatchers. These questions will help dispatchers better understand the patient’s condition and decide what type of response is needed.
Chief of Huron County Paramedic Services Jeff Horseman says people calling 9-1-1 for a medical emergency can expect the process to work much as it does now.
Serious and life-threatening emergencies, including strokes, heart attacks, severe allergic reactions, trouble breathing and major injuries, will continue to receive the highest priority.
For less serious medical issues, response times may vary if paramedics are already dealing with more urgent emergencies. The service will continue to respond based on the medical needs of each patient.
Huron County says the new system is part of a province-wide effort to improve emergency medical dispatch and make sure patients receive the right care at the right time.
