City to Implement New Paramedic Dispatch System

Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services is transitioning to a new emergency response model designed to prioritize life-saving care for residents experiencing the most critical emergencies.

Beginning May 20, 2026, communications officers in the Sudbury Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) will begin using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) – an evidence-based system which has become the industry standard for triaging emergency calls. Already widely used across North America, MPDS is now being implemented in Ontario as part of the province’s Your Health plan, with several municipalities already using the system. This approach will support more effective deployment of paramedic resources by aligning response levels with patient needs and ensuring the most urgent 911 calls receive priority.

With the MPDS, residents calling 911 can expect more detailed questions. These questions will help communications officers better assess the situation, prioritize the call and provide potentially life-saving instructions before paramedics arrive.

“Our goal is to ensure the right resource reaches the right patient at the right time,” said Aaron Archibald, Chief of Paramedic Services. “By using these science-based protocols, we can better identify life-threatening emergencies immediately, ensuring our paramedics are available for situations where every second counts.”

Life-threatening emergencies will continue to receive the highest priority and the fastest response. However, during periods of high demand, calls involving non-life-threatening conditions may experience longer wait times. This ensures ambulances remain available for the most critical emergencies in our community.

For more information on the implementation of MPDS and what to expect, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/MPDS.