Chatham-Kent (CK) Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is set to implement a Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) this fall.
The new system will ask more detailed questions to prioritize respond times.
"This is a provincial initiative that has been launched across the province. Several other EMS systems have implemented this with great success," said CK EMS Chief and General Manager Peter Morassutti.
Previous 9-1-1 call systems would dispatch ambulances on a first-come, first-served basis. The goal of the MPDS is to match available paramedic resources with a patient’s condition, ensuring that the right paramedic resources are appropriately dispatched and patients with life-threatening conditions receive care immediately.
When residents call 9-1-1, emergency dispatchers will ask more detailed and scripted questions to better provide first responders with more detailed information. That way, people with serious and life-threatening emergencies will receive more priority.
"MPDS represents one of the most significant advancements in emergency medical dispatching in Ontario," continued Morassutti. He added that the goal is to ensure that the right resources are given at the right time.
Some important changes with MPDS include:
More detailed questions – Emergency Medical Dispatchers will ask additional questions about the patient’s condition and exact location, especially in life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, trauma, or loss of consciousness.
Paramedics dispatched right away - Even while you are still answering questions, Paramedics will already be on the way to you.
Prioritized response times - If the situation is not life-threatening, you may experience longer wait times so that Paramedics remain available for those who need immediate critical care.
Ongoing support from dispatchers – Emergency Medical Dispatchers undergo extensive training with MPDS and will stay in contact with you, providing support and instructions until help arrives.
The new system will be put in place on November 18, 2026.
