Changes Coming to 911 System Prioritization

Cornwall, ON - March 21, 2024 – The Cornwall SDG Paramedic Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, is set to implement changes to its 911 dispatch system on April 10, 2024, at 9:00 PM. The alterations to the dispatch priority system aim to prioritize ambulatory care so that the sickest people get the fastest response. The revised system will see dispatchers asking more specific questions to better evaluate the urgency of each call.
 
Under the new system, calls categorized as purple or red will be assigned the closest ambulance, while other priority codes will be managed by the designated paramedic service for the respective area. In cases where ambulance resources are not immediately accessible, patients with non-time-sensitive and low-risk situations will be advised to wait, with appropriate medical intervention tips being provided in the interim.
 
Regular callbacks will maintain continuous communication until an ambulance arrives, and updates on adverse changes to medical conditions will be actively encouraged – if those occur, prioritization will change.
 
The Cornwall SDG Paramedic Service is committed to enhancing the service it provides to the people it serves. The changes to the 911 dispatch system are a crucial step towards a more efficient and responsive emergency response network.

Quotes
 

"The introduction of five distinct priority categories - purple, red, orange, yellow, and green - allows us to efficiently allocate resources based on the severity of the medical emergency. This ensures that critical cases, identified as purple or red, receive immediate attention, irrespective of jurisdiction.”  

– Cornwall SDG Paramedic Chief Bill Lister

"Continuous monitoring and data-driven improvements will be integral to the success of this system. We are dedicated to ensuring that our emergency response evolves with the latest scientific data and best practices. This upgrade to our 911 system will improve our emergency response and prioritize the well-being of our community members.” 

– Cornwall SDG Paramedic Chief Bill Lister