Beginning April 15, Sault Ste. Marie Central Ambulance Communications Centre and Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services will transition to the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), an internationally recognized emergency dispatch model designed to improve how ambulance calls are prioritized. The new system uses structured medical questioning to better assess patient needs and assign calls to standardized priority levels, helping ensure the most urgent emergencies receive the fastest response.

While callers may notice additional questions during a 911 call, the goal is to improve accuracy and ensure paramedic resources remain available for life-threatening emergencies. Local paramedic leaders say the evidence-based system will enhance emergency response capabilities, strengthen resource management, and support better outcomes for patients across Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding district.