Coming in September: New Medical Priority Dispatch System

Essex-Windsor EMS will move to a new Medical Priority Dispatch System in September that is designed to improve how 911 calls are assessed and prioritized, helping to maximize paramedic resources and ensure that the right resources are deployed for the right reasons at the right time.

“MPDS will introduce a more structured and clinically supported approach to triaging emergency calls and deploying paramedic resources. MPDS is an evidence-based medical dispatch system designed to improve the prioritization and management of 911 emergency medical services calls,” said a report to Council by Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers. “Based on the experience of other services that have transitioned to MPDS, we can anticipate improvements such as more precise categorization of calls by patient acuity and a corresponding reduction in unnecessary high-priority responses.”

The rollout of MPDS in Windsor-Essex had originally been slated for 2027 but the County and Essex-Windsor EMS successfully advocated for accelerated implementation based on local system pressures.

While the benefits of the new dispatching system include “improved patient prioritization, enhanced system efficiency, strengthened support for frontline staff, and maintained response performance for life-threatening emergencies,” a common trade-off experienced in other jurisdictions is that “lower-acuity patients may experience longer wait times as resources are more deliberately prioritized for the most urgent cases.”

The new system also brings with it changes in terminology. Code Green, when there are 11 or more ambulances, becomes Code Normal. Code Yellow, when there are between four and 10 ambulances, becomes Code Surge. Code Red, when there are between one and three ambulances, becomes Code Critical. Code Black, when there are zero ambulances, becomes Code Zero.

Read the report!

View the presentation to Council!

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When you call 911 for a medical emergency, Essex-Windsor EMS ambulances respond and time is of the essence. That is why it’s important to call only in emergencies and look for other options when a health-care crisis doesn’t require immediate attention. Call 911 when an injury or illness could cost someone’s life or ability to function without rapid medical intervention.

Some symptoms for which you should call 911

loss of consciousness
sudden confusion, trouble speaking, dizziness
persistent, severe chest pain
sudden breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
fractured or broken bones
uncontrolled bleeding
a sudden, severe headache or vision problems
sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg
sudden severe pain
severe burns or allergic reactions

Essex-Windsor EMS works closely with the Central Ambulance Communications Centre, local hospitals and other responders to ensure ambulances are available when emergencies happen. When ambulances are tied up with non-emergency calls, this becomes more challenging. How can you help ensure paramedics will be available to attend to the most seriously ill and injured?

Here are options you can use for a non-emergency health crisis:

Contact your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic. Find your nearest clinic.
Visit Health811 or call 811 to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number and all information is confidential.
Set up a virtual appointment with a physician using the Urgent Care Ontario website, a service available to residents of Southwestern Ontario. You can also call 1-844-227-3844.
Call 211 to find out about health care services in Windsor and Essex County.
Learn where the Mobile Medical Support team will be next by visiting the Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team website.
Use alternate transportation to go to a hospital emergency room.

Essex-Windsor EMS is encouraging residents to Make The Right Call by following the advice of health-care professionals and taking appropriate actions when they experience health-care crises.