MONTREAL – A new computer-assisted dispatch system for ambulances in Montreal and Laval is facing criticism from frontline paramedics who say it’s causing delays and potentially endangering patients. Urgent Santé replaced the decade-old system in May, aiming to modernize operations and prepare for future technological advancements, including the ability to receive 911 calls via video and text.

Paramedic Concerns Over New Dispatch System

Five paramedics, speaking anonymously due to contractual restrictions, told CBC News that the new system, known as CAD or RAO, is causing issues with call accuracy and ambulance location tracking. They reported instances of receiving duplicate calls for the same incident, and in some cases, being dispatched to addresses where patients had already been transported by another team. While similar glitches occasionally occurred with the previous system, paramedics say the frequency has increased significantly since the implementation of the new model.

The Syndical du Préhospitalier, the union representing paramedics, confirms it has received numerous complaints about the system and believes it is causing significant delays. Urgent Santé acknowledges the issues, attributing them to initial launch problems and stating that measures are being taken to resolve them. They maintain that patient care has not been impacted.

Specifically, paramedics have reported instances where the system failed to accurately display ambulance locations via GPS, sometimes for entire shifts. This makes it difficult for dispatchers to determine which ambulance to send to an emergency, potentially leading to delays. Urgent Santé denies any issues with the GPS system, stating dispatchers consider multiple factors when assigning ambulances.

Another concern raised by paramedics is the system’s user interface, which they describe as cluttered and difficult to navigate, making it challenging to find crucial information like addresses and the status of other emergency services.

Manitoba Addresses Doctor Shortage with International Recruitment

In related news, Manitoba is actively recruiting doctors from abroad to address a critical physician shortage. Dr. Moazam Raza, recently recruited from Pakistan and the U.S., is preparing to begin practicing in Minidosa. He is one of seven new hires in southwestern Manitoba recruited through the University of Manitoba’s medical licensure program for international medical graduates.

Prairie Mountain Health is also welcoming Doctors Shams and Ola Usman, a husband-and-wife team from Nigeria, to Killarney. The couple was drawn to the community by the recently renovated emergency department at the local hospital. Manitoba currently ranks second last in Canada for physicians per capita, making recruitment efforts crucial, particularly in rural areas.

These recruitment efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare access in Manitoba, with recruiters working closely with communities to integrate new physicians into their surroundings.