Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - During the August 13 County council meeting, Adam Bennett, Acting Director of Paramedic Services and Deputy Chief of MLPS, presented the 2023 performance report for the Middlesex-London Paramedic Services (MLPS). This comprehensive report detailed the organization’s operational highlights and challenges over the past year.
In 2023, MLPS responded to over 105,000 calls, with more than 50,000 categorized as life-threatening. The service’s utilization rate slightly exceeded the industry standard, reaching 0.56. This increase was attributed to the growing complexity of the calls handled, underscoring the continuous pressure on emergency services and the need for ongoing resource optimization.
A notable achievement for the year was a 5% improvement in response times for priority calls. This improvement is critical in emergency health services, where prompt response can significantly affect outcomes. Furthermore, new measures implemented to address offload delays began showing positive results, enhancing the sustainability of service delivery and allowing paramedics to return to the field quicker.
The report also acknowledged the retirement of five dedicated paramedics, highlighting the demanding nature of the job and the commitment required to serve the community effectively.
MLPS has seen success with its ‘Fit2Sit’ program, which saw a 14% increase in uptake. This initiative helps reduce ambulance turnaround times by allowing certain non-urgent patients to wait in a safe environment, thus freeing up resources for more critical needs.
The logistics department was particularly active, handling over 3,300 service desk tickets and preparing more than 10,000 ambulances for duty. This ensures that the fleet is always ready to respond to emergencies promptly and effectively.
Community engagement through the Community Paramedicine program continues to expand, reflecting a shift towards more integrated, community-focused health care. This program, along with the Treat and Refer Patient Care Model, has proven successful in enhancing care and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Education remains a cornerstone of MLPS’s strategy. In 2023, the service trained 63 new paramedics, enhancing its capacity to meet the growing demands of the Middlesex-London community.
During the council meeting, there was also a discussion about the specialized neonatal pediatric transport unit, which has significantly exceeded expectations since its inception. This service is crucial for the region’s most vulnerable patients and highlights MLPS’s commitment to comprehensive community care.
