A Grey County ambulance. (Bayshore Broadcasting file photo)
Bruce and Grey counties will be switching today to a new dispatch system for residents calling 911.
It is called the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), which is already used in several Ontario communities. This is a switch from the Dispatch Priority Card Index (DPCI), previously used by the London Central Ambulance Communications Centre, which dispatches Bruce and Grey County paramedics.
Under the new system, callers may be asked more questions than under the previous model. The questions help dispatchers understand the patient’s condition, providing paramedics with important information before they arrive.
“Grey County paramedics are committed to providing high-quality care to every patient we serve, while helping ensure ambulance resources are available when and where they are needed most,” says Grey County Paramedics Operations Manager, Jessica Robb. “Answering additional questions will not delay response. Instead, it helps ensure resources are deployed appropriately based on each patient’s needs.”
Callers may also receive pre-arrival instructions, including how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), help a choking person, assist with childbirth or control bleeding.
Medical calls will be prioritized based on urgency, with the highest priority given to emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes and serious injuries.
“This enhanced process will improve patient care, support our frontline responders, and help us make the best use of emergency resources across Bruce County,” says Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau.
The dispatcher may ask the caller to stay on the line, or there may be a follow-up call while waiting for responders. This helps dispatchers monitor the situation and adjust the response if the patient’s condition changes.