Hamilton Paramedic Service asking Hamiltonians to make the right call

This post, from December 17, contains an important message from Hamilton Paramedic Service on when to dial 9-1-1.

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

The Hamilton Paramedic Service is urging residents to call for an ambulance only in an emergency, as the service becomes overwhelmed with non-emergency calls.

For more details, please continue reading below…

“Everything from stubbed toes … my nose hurts … toothaches,” said chief Michael Sanderson during a recent press conference on the subject according to this Spec article.

The Chief, in a press conference last week, mentioned that calls for service are up, with the Hamilton Paramedic Service responding to an average of 266 calls a day for the last seven months — 43 more than the first four months of the year. These calls, coupled with the pandemic, has stretched services thin.

Today, Hamilton Paramedic Services (HPS) launched a public awareness campaign to encourage residents to call an ambulance only in an emergency situation, and to seek other health services for less urgent needs. 

Heading into the busy holiday season, HPS is there to help. Timing is critical in a medical emergency and calling 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies will ensure paramedics will be available when you need them most.

If you experience a life threating emergency such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke call 9-1-1 immediately. Residents are also reminded to call an ambulance for other medical emergencies such as:

  • Chest pain or chest tightness
  • Sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Serious accidents or trauma
  • Extreme pain
  • Large burns
  • Severe bleeding
  • Unconsciousness

There are many health care options available to if your health situation is not an emergency. Before calling for an ambulance for minor injuries, residents are asked to consider their medical needs and their options for quicker more appropriate care such as:

  • Consulting your primary care provider
  • Go to a walk-in/urgent care clinic
  • Speak with a pharmacist for questions about general health or use of medications
  • Call Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-737-000

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.

Councillor John-Paul Danko