A new dispatch system implemented by the province will provide better information to paramedics in Thunder Bay and the district starting January 24.

The new system, called the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) is an internationally used patient triage system. It will change how calls are prioritized based on their urgency, provide better information to responding paramedics, and improve response for true emergencies.

Paramedics in Ontario are dispatched to calls by Ministry of Health Ambulance Communications Officers, who are certified Emergency Medical Dispatchers. A dispatch centre in Thunder Bay receives 911 calls, and dispatches Superior North EMS paramedics across the city and district.

When the new system is implemented, dispatchers will ask different questions than are currently in place to gather more detailed information about a patient. The new information asked will then allow for a more effective triage to prioritize emergency medical situations.  The new system also considers EMS resources, to make sure paramedics consistently respond to the most urgent calls first.

“This new system has helped prioritize EMS calls in five other areas of Ontario,” said Shane Muir, Chief – Superior North EMS.

“These areas have seen paramedics respond faster to more urgent calls, providing better response times to those who need us the most. We believe this will also be the case for our paramedics in Thunder Bay and the district.”

The MPDS model will lower the number of calls that are over-prioritized in the current system, reducing the number of paramedic resources being sent out of their community to respond to situations that are not urgent.

Requests for ambulance service that are triaged as low priority will only be dispatched when appropriate resources are available.  The Ambulance Communication Officers will conduct follow-up calls to continue to check on the patient’s status until paramedics arrive.

People who are experiencing a medical emergency are still urged to call 9-1-1 immediately to receive help.

Superior North EMS services Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay, from Upsala to Manitouwadge, and north to Armstrong.