Perth County will welcome the addition of a Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) this fall.
Following a recent announcement of the MPDS coming to Huron County this October, the system will now be coming to Perth County Paramedic Services and the London Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC).
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 ensures patients receive the most appropriate response based on their medical needs while allowing dispatchers to provide critical instructions before paramedics arrive." said Tristan Barter, Deputy Chief of Operations, Perth County Paramedic Services.
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. Residents can expect to hear more about MPDS in the coming weeks as Perth County Paramedic Services prepares for implementation.
