911 wait times in B.C.: More dispatchers to be hired in coming weeks to address issues
More dispatchers will be hired to address the longer-than-usual wait times for those who need emergency aid in British Columbia.
B.C. Emergency Health Services told CTV News it's aware of the issues those who call 911 are facing as they wait to be connected to emergency medical call takers.
Some say they've been put on hold or had to wait for a longer period of time for their call to be answered. Others say they haven't been able to get through at all.
It's been on ongoing problem, with E-Comm, B.C.'s multi-municipality agency that connects 911 callers to the proper emergency service provider, warning as recently as Monday of high call volumes and increased wait times.
E-Comm explained previously that the waits are largely due to staffing shortages with BCEHS, and that when a caller can't get through or is put on hold when calling 911, it may be because an E-Comm dispatcher is waiting with a previous caller for a BCEHS counterpart to answer the phone.
BCEHS said Tuesday it's working with the province to hire and train more than 30 new staff members between now and December. A spokesperson said that's in addition to 25 jobs recently added at three dispatch centres.
"BCEHS has also increased clinical support in dispatch centres (using paramedic specialists, nurses and doctors) to help triage and manage calls and 24-7 manager support in dispatch to help with delays and escalation," the spokesperson said in an email.
In the meantime, callers are urged to ensure they're only dialing 911 for something truly considered an emergency and, in cases where their condition isn't urgent and it's safe to do so, find another way to get to a nearby hospital, so paramedics can respond to critical patients.
"If you receive a recorded message when trying to get through to the ambulance service, please stay on the line as that is the fastest way to get help," BCEHS said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.