The new system for dispatching 911 calls will not always deploy first responders. According to 2 fire chiefs in rural Princeton, the new method of dispatching first responders to medical calls puts lives at risk.
Update on response will not save lives
Hayes Creek Fire Chief Rob Miller recalled a recent experience when his members ignored direction from central dispatch to stand down and were able to provide vital assistance to a patient in distress. The man would have died.
The BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) implemented a new process for dispatching paramedics, ambulances and other resources to patients. It was called the Clinical Response Model throughout the province.
Under this new system, first responders attached to fire departments are being called less frequently to medical incidents in their areas.
The Erris Fire Department has members who are provincially licensed medical first responders who can perform a variety of tasks from first aid to CPR and oxygen delivery. The Hayes Creek Fire Department has members who are trained medical first responders.
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