Paramedics launch pilot project to cut response times in rural areas

County of Simcoe Paramedic Services is launching a pilot project to reduce wait times for rural residents. (Mike Walker / CTV Barrie)

Every second counts in an emergency and that can be a big problem if you live out in the country but now the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services is launching a pilot project to change that.

“Rural communities see long response times because of their low density and their geographical areas we have to cover,” says Simcoe County Paramedic Services Deputy Chief J.C. Gilbert.

Response time vary in Simcoe County, from more than 14 minutes in Oro-Medonte to nearly 15 minutes in Ramara and more than 18 minutes in Tiny Township. By contrast the City of Barrie response time is about eight minutes.

A new rapid response unit is what emergency responders hope will be the solution.

“They will be sent on a call and then a responding ambulance will also head to the call if there is need for a transport,” adds Gilbert. “It only has one paramedic on and has the ability to get to places quicker.”

Starting in 2016, the rapid response vehicle and a paramedic will be stationed in Ramara 12 hours a day which Gilbert says will result in a 50% improvement in response times in the area.

The project will cost more than $380,000.

Rapid response vehicles are already being used in Barrie and Orillia and they are outfitted with all the medical equipment and medication paramedics carry on an ambulance, minus the stretcher.

And when the dedicated paramedic is not on an emergency call, they will be checking in with people who had to make multiple trips to the hospital.

And depending on the success of this pilot project, the county will consider rolling out the rapid response vehicle to other rural communities.