Calling 911 for an ambulance? Expect a few more questions
A new dispatch system that ranks medical calls by urgency took effect in Grey County on Oct. 14
By David Ellis · · 2 min read
People who call 911 for a medical emergency in Grey County may now be asked more questions than before. A new dispatch system that took effect Oct. 14 ranks ambulance calls by how urgent they are.
The Medical Priority Dispatch System is being introduced by the London Central Ambulance Communications Centre, which dispatches the ambulances that serve Grey County, according to a Grey County news release. The county says the change is part of the Ontario Ministry of Health's plan to modernize medical dispatch.
The county describes the system as internationally recognized. It uses structured, evidence-based questions to judge how serious an emergency is and decide the most appropriate response. The goal, according to the release, is to make sure patients with life-threatening emergencies get the fastest care possible.
Paramedics will still respond to and care for the patients they're dispatched to. But response priority will now be based on clinical urgency, the county says.
More calls than ever
The change comes as demand keeps climbing. Grey County paramedics responded to more than 17,000 calls for service in 2025, the most in the history of the service, according to the release.
Jessica Robb, operations manager with Grey County Paramedics, said in the release that the extra questions won't slow anyone down.
"Answering additional questions will not delay response. Instead, it helps ensure resources are deployed appropriately based on each patient's needs," Robb said.
The county says the details callers provide also give paramedics important information before they arrive.
What doesn't change
The new system doesn't change when to call 911, the county stresses. Anyone experiencing or witnessing a medical emergency should still call 911 immediately.
The county says the system is meant to help keep ambulances available for the patients who need them most while maintaining emergency coverage across Grey County communities.
Your turn: Have you had an experience with ambulance service in the township that you'd like to share? Email news@chatsworthbanner.ca or use the tip form on our site.
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