Simcoe County paramedic program is helping lower response times

CTV Barrie: Paramedic Response Unit A pilot project in Simcoe County is helping reduce paramedic response times. Heather Butts explains.

When a paramedic is called to an emergency, every second counts.

Frank Thorneycroft lives in Penetanguishene, where Simcoe County Paramedic Services have improved their average response time by nearly four minutes this year.

"You’re obviously very anxious, very concerned, you're quite glad when you see them come down the driveway," he says.

Paramedics are getting to scenes quicker because of the county’s new rapid response units – a single paramedic in an SUV.

"The later you get there, the more anxiety people might have, the more blood loss there might be, the further along a heart attack might be," says paramedic Jeff Wright.

Last January, rapid response units were placed in Penetanguishene, Ramara, and Innisfil. Unlike ambulances that often leave communities to transport patients, these ones stay in a community for 12 hours a day.

"The intent of the unit is to do the call, initiate treatment and remain available for the next call," says deputy chief J.C. Gilbert.

Since the program began 10 months ago, average response times are down by nearly four minutes in Penetanguishene. It now sits at about seven minutes and 30 seconds.

In Innisfil times are down more than two minutes to nine minutes and five seconds. Times are also down more than two minutes in Ramara to 10 minutes and 59 seconds.

"The level of care that comes with these people is quite high and quite exceptional, and that doesn't change just because of the type of vehicle that we ride in."

It's a comforting thought for Thorneycroft.

"I think it's probably one of the major concerns anyone should have moving into the area, knowing it's there and available to you if you need it."

Seeing the success, paramedics now want to expand the program to Oro-Medonte and Tiny Township.

They've made their pitch to Simcoe County councillors and expect a decision in the coming months.