The labor union representing medical dispatchers in Nova Scotia has raised concerns about the frequency of issues with ambulance responses to emergency calls, citing a particular incident in Halifax where paramedics took 40 minutes to arrive after urgent calls from the police. According to the union, problems such as inadequate staffing, training, and the use of outdated maps in the new dispatch system contribute to delays in emergency response.
Jeff Callaghan, the national director of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, which represents Nova Scotia medical dispatchers, emphasized that the delayed ambulance arrivals are not isolated incidents but occur frequently. He referred to a recent report from Nova Scotia’s police watchdog, the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT), which investigated the case involving a man in a mental health crisis in Halifax.
The SIRT report detailed the events of February 22, where police called for medical assistance at 7:41 p.m. but faced delays in getting paramedics on the scene. It was only after multiple requests and interventions that Emergency Health Services (EHS) arrived at 8:24 p.m., with the unfortunate outcome of the man’s death at the scene. The report highlighted communication challenges between police and EHS dispatch systems, exacerbated by a new dispatch system with an artificial intelligence component.
Callaghan pointed out that staff shortages at the communications center lead to calls being stacked and prioritized based on perceived urgency, causing delays in dispatching ambulances. He also mentioned concerns about the new dispatch system’s use of outdated maps, leading to location identification issues.
On the other hand, Kevin MacMullin, the business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727 representing Nova Scotia paramedics, acknowledged that ambulance dispatch delays can occur due to staffing issues, high call volumes, and other priorities. He emphasized the need for seamless communication between emergency response agencies to improve response times.
While Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC), the company managing the dispatch system and ambulance services in Nova Scotia, stated that efforts are being made to enhance communication and response processes, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of the new dispatch system and paramedic staffing levels. The company highlighted ongoing recruitment efforts to address these challenges.
In conclusion, the medical dispatchers’ union and paramedics’ union underscore the need for improved coordination, adequate staffing, and updated technology to ensure timely and effective emergency responses in Nova Scotia.