This October, the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) will begin using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), an internationally recognized emergency medical dispatch system designed to help ensure patients with life-threatening emergencies receive the fastest possible response.
The implementation is part of a province-wide initiative led by Ontario's Ministry of Health to modernize emergency medical dispatch across Ontario's Central Ambulance Communication Centres.
When someone calls 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, every second counts. MPDS provides Emergency Medical Dispatchers with a structured, medically approved process to ask the right questions, better understand what is happening and determine which patients need the most immediate response.
As emergency call volumes continue to grow across Middlesex County and the City of London, the new system will help ensure ambulances are available for the patients who need them the most, while continuing to provide care for every person who calls for help.
"Every call to 9-11 is important," said Adam Bennett, Chief/Director of Paramedic Service, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service. "The Medical Priority Dispatch System helps us make the best possible decisions during those critical first moments. It allows us to identify patients with the most urgent medical needs more quickly, while ensuring everyone continues to receive the care they need. Our goal is simple: to get the right resource to the right patient at the right time."
Bennett emphasized that the new system is designed to strengthen - not reduce - emergency medical services.
"As our communities continue to grow, so does the demand for paramedic services. This new system helps us use our resources more effectively while ensuring that when someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, an ambulance is available as quickly as possible.”
The new dispatch protocol replaces legacy dispatch codes with medical priority classifications based on a patient's condition. By gathering more detailed information during the 9-1-1 call, Emergency Medical Dispatchers can make more informed decisions about the most appropriate response.
MPDS will also work seamlessly with specialized resources, including MLPS' Advanced Care Rapid Response Unit, allowing dispatchers to identify the types of emergencies where these advanced clinical resources can provide the greatest benefit.
The implementation comes as MLPS continues to experience increasing demand for emergency medical services. Each year, paramedics respond to more calls than ever before, making it increasingly important to ensure emergency resources are available for the community's most critically ill and injured patients.
For residents, one thing will remain unchanged: calling 9-1-1 is always the right thing to do during a medical emergency.
"People should never hesitate to call 9-1-1 when they believe they are experiencing a medical emergency," added Bennett. "This system isn't about limiting access to care - it's about making sure every patient receives the most appropriate response based on their medical needs. It's another step forward in providing safe, equitable and patient-centred emergency care for our growing communities."
"This is an investment that will benefit our communities for years to come. We look forward to the successful implementation of MPDS and to continuing our work with our municipal and provincial partners to ensure residents receive the high-quality emergency medical care they deserve." - Brian Ropp, Chair, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Authority Board
As the October implementation approaches, MLPS will continue working closely with the Ministry of Health, Central Ambulance Communication Centre partners and local municipalities to ensure a smooth transition.
About Middlesex-London Paramedic Service
Middlesex-London Paramedic Service provides emergency medical care to residents and visitors across the City of London and Middlesex County. Through modernization, collaboration and a commitment to excellence, MLPS is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while continually improving emergency medical services for the communities it serves.
Media Contact
Stefanie Fisher, Communications & Public Affairs
Middlesex-London Paramedic Service
382-577-0156
@email