Superior North EMS to Add Fast First Response Unit
March 31, 2003 - In an effort to decrease paramedic response times, Superior North Emergency Medical Services is adding a Paramedic Response Unit, effective today. This vehicle will be staffed by a qualified paramedic that will be available to respond quickly to medical and traumatic emergencies when no ambulances are available, or when there will be a delayed response from a paramedic crew."We expect that this addition will contribute to decreased response times in the City of Thunder Bay", said Norm Gale, public information officer for Superior North EMS. "This vehicle will be staffed by qualified paramedics who act as front line supervisors, 24 hours a day." The recent addition of a 24-hour ambulance for the City will be the biggest part of reducing response times.
This first-response paramedic will not be able to transport patients to the hospital, but, upon arrival will be able to provide paramedical care at the patient's side. Attention will be provided to the patient until a paramedic crew in an ambulance can respond. It is anticipated that this initiative will further increase the ability of Superior North EMS to provide high quality pre-hospital care in a timely manner.
