Pilot program aims to reduce ambulance response times in Saskatoon, Regina

A new EMS triage system will soon be tested in Saskatoon and Regina, with the goal of improving ambulance response times by cutting down on delays and unnecessary trips.

According to Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health, new triage software system will be launched in June, which should improve patient flow and reduce delays when offloading patients at emergency departments.

The new system will see a registered nurse evaluating calls that aren’t deemed emergencies by the dispatcher. The nurse will then direct patients to appropriate health-care options if it is determined that an ambulance isn’t needed.

According to the ministry, a significant number of patients calling 911 are taken to emergency departments, but that’s not always the most appropriate response. This often causes delays, as paramedics are required to stay at the hospital until the patient’s care is transferred.

“This ties up needed EMS resources as they are prevented from returning to their home communities to respond to other emergencies,” the ministry explained.

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The pilot program will see a dedicated nurse available 12 hours a day in the Regina and Saskatoon Medical Communication and Co-ordination Centres, which are managed by the provincial health authority and Medavie Health Services West.

Health Minister Everett Hindley said the province has been hearing from paramedics about the delays caused by unnecessary transfers to emergency departments.

“This new support system will streamline services for our EMS providers and help ensure that patients are seeing the right health-care provider in the right location at the right time,” Hindley said in a statement.

Gerry Schriemer, Medavie Health Services West’s chief operating officer, said the new program “will provide our region with additional care options when transport may not be the most appropriate option.”

“This is another exciting advancement on providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Schriemer added.