911 dispatchers can now give instructions to P.E.I. callers

In an emergency, 911 dispatchers can now walk callers through first aid procedures while paramedics are on their way.

P.E.I.launched its new emergency medical dispatch system Wednesday a systemIsland EMS startedusing in August.

• New system allows 911 dispatchers to give more medical instructions by phone

"Our dispatchers are often the first line of communication for those who find themselves in an emergency situation," Matt Spidel, operations manager with the Island EMS dispatch centre, said in a news release.

"Being able to support those needing help from the onset can mean the difference between life and death."

Guiding callers through CPR and more

The province says since the system was launched last month, dispatchers have given directions to 15 callers reporting someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

They've assisted callersthrough procedures like performing CPR,administeringan epinephrine auto-injector during anallergic reaction, and instructing individuals to take aspirin while experiencing chest pains.

During calls, dispatchers will ask detailedquestions in order to fully understand the emergency situation.

In some cases, they may provide instructions to the caller, and in other cases, they may simply ask the caller to stay on the line sothe dispatcher can continue to receive up-to-date information about the situation.

"The new system ensures our staff have a consistent way to respond to calls, offering clear instructions to those on the other end of the phone and gathering more detailed information for paramedics so they are even more prepared when they arrive on scene," saidSpidel.

Defibrillator registry coming

Also being created is a new provincial Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) registry, the planning for whichis underway.

• How a defibrillator map could save lives

That systemallows 911dispatchers to helpa caller assisting someonein sudden cardiac arrest make use of the publicly accessible defibrillator closest to them, directing the caller to either retrieve it or ask someone else for assistance, and provide instructions on how to use it until paramedics arrive.

The AED registry is expected to launch later this fall.

The provinceis providing $166,000 to implement the EMD protocol and AED registry.

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