The double call in Emergencies-Health

QMI agency

Sunday, January 28, 2018 11:39

UPDATE
Sunday, January 28, 2018 11:41

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MONTREAL | ice-covered Montreal for almost a week gives a lot of headaches for pedestrians and motorists, but also to the paramedics that have to respond to a call volume higher than normal.

“Indeed, the volume is very high since yesterday [Saturday]. It is noted that one receives a lot of calls. Yes, there are the falls on the ice […], but this is not just it,” said Benoit Garneau, a spokesman for Urgences-santé, in an interview with TVA News.

Sunday morning, the body which manages ambulance transportation in Montréal and Laval had already received between 300 and 350 calls, so that Emergency health usually receive between 150 and 180 calls during the same period of time. The number, ten were directly related to falls on sidewalks frozen.

“It is significant, but they are not all for emergency calls,” said Mr. Garneau. The public is asked to ensure that the request is made to 911 was for an urgent call. If one has pain in the chest, if we find that someone is unconscious, if one has breathing problems, call 911.”

For non-emergency cases, the responsible advises to turn to the 811, where nurses can refer patients to the correct service and answer questions.

In the case of the falls, Mr. Garneau recognizes that it is necessary to call 911 when a person is unable to stand or that he / she suspects to have suffered a fracture. “If it is up to the members above, it is perhaps not necessary to call the ambulance. Try to call a taxi to go to the clinic or to the hospital,” suggested Mr. Garneau.

“It is important to be aware that there will be delays if your situation is not considered urgent,” added the spokesperson.

The City of Montreal proceeded, Sunday, to an operation of de-icing of its streets and sidewalks, enjoying the sun and the temperature higher than the freezing point.