The Alberta government is speeding up 911 response times.
Non-urgent calls will be sent to a new, dedicated EMS-811 Shared Response team, including an 811 nurse to ensure Albertans have the highest level of care available in serious situations.
The shared response team will work with EMS emergency communications officers to assess the level of care needed, allowing urgent calls to receive a faster ambulance response.
“Empowering dispatchers to divert non-urgent calls to a dedicated team of experienced nurses within 811 when clinically appropriate is a win for Albertans,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health in a Government of Alberta statement.
“Everyone will have access to the appropriate level of care they need when they need it. The new approach makes our EMS system more responsive to the needs of Albertans.”
Non-urgent calls account for about 10-20 per cent of total 911 call volume, depending on the area. With the EMS-811 Shared Response team, an estimated 40,000 non-emergency responses could be avoided each year.
Albertans who call 911 will be connected with EMS, where an emergency communications officer will triage patients similarly to a hospital emergency department. While assuring the caller help is on the way, the officer will transfer patients best handled with alternate levels of care to a team of experienced registered nurses at 811. The registered nurse will continue to assess the patient and situation to identify appropriate care options.
The calls sent to the new shared response team do not wait in the regular 811 queue, and if it’s determined an ambulance is required, one is then dispatched.
“Collaboration between EMS and Health Link has helped us generate this innovative solution. We are creating capacity for EMS and also helping the patient with care they need. This is one more example of how dedicated teams work together to achieve a common goal,” said Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Alberta Health Services Dr. Francois Belanger.
This new system is part of the provincial government and AHS’ ongoing efforts to improve emergency medical services coverage.
Other measures being taken through the Health Care Action Plan. This includes using alternative methods for non-emergency transfers, which AHS is issuing a request for expressions of interest and qualifications for the Calgary and Edmonton areas in early February.
If you have questions, concerns or comments, contact your Red Deer-North Constituency Office using the form here.