New system will prioritize the most serious emergencies and keep callers connected to care while they wait
Oxford County Paramedic Services will begin using a new system in October to help determine which medical emergencies require the fastest response.
The Medical Priority Dispatch System, or MPDS, will take effect the evening of October 14. The internationally recognized system is designed to prioritize emergency medical calls based on the urgency of a patient's condition.
When someone calls 911 for a medical emergency, dispatchers will continue to take the call and gather information about the situation. Under the new system, callers may be asked more questions to help determine how serious the condition is.
Calls involving life-threatening emergencies — including cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions or unconsciousness — will continue to receive the highest priority.
Less urgent medical conditions, such as flu-like symptoms or sprains, may have longer waits for an ambulance when demand for paramedic services is high.
While waiting, some callers may receive basic guidance over the phone. In cases involving longer waits, paramedic services may also call back to check on the patient's status.
Oxford County says the system is designed to ensure the most seriously ill or injured patients are seen first, while keeping callers connected to care throughout their wait for an ambulance.
If a patient's condition changes or becomes more serious while waiting, callers should contact 911 again to provide an update. The change applies specifically to emergency medical calls and does not affect calls made to 911 for police or fire services.
MPDS is used in thousands of dispatch centres around the world and is already in use in many Ontario communities.
Oxford County Paramedic Services Chief Ryan Hall says the system will provide another tool to ensure residents receive a reliable and responsive emergency medical service.
“The new Medical Priority Dispatch System is another tool to ensure that Oxford residents have reliable and responsive paramedic services,” Hall said. “Used around the world and across Ontario, it will ensure that our most serious medical calls are responded to first, every time, and that every resident who makes a call for emergency medical help is connected to care throughout their wait for an ambulance.”
More information about the new system, including frequently asked questions, is available through Oxford County's Speak Up, Oxford! website.
