Just three months after launching a new emergency dispatch system, Lennox and Addington County Paramedic Services is reporting faster response times and better outcomes for critical patients.
The Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) went live on Feb. 5 across southeastern Ontario, including the Kingston Central Ambulance Centre. The system prioritizes ambulance calls based on how serious a patient’s condition is, allowing paramedics to reach life-threatening cases more quickly.
Less urgent cases may have longer waits, but dispatchers stay in contact with patients until help arrives. The system also gives paramedics more details before arriving at the scene, helping them prepare better.
Fire departments can now customize which calls they attend, making their response more efficient. Communication between dispatch, ambulance crews, and other emergency services has also improved.
Officials say the system is reducing stress on paramedics and boosting morale through better scheduling, clearer protocols, and improved patient outcomes.
Written by Emily Chatwood
