The Kenora District Services Board has introduced a new Emergency Medical Services crew in Dryden.
The expansion consists of two additional crew members daily, adds six new Primary Care Paramedic staff, and will operate seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
The second ambulance team will help address the increase in demand for EMS service in the area.
Officials say the total call volume in the first quarter of the year in Dryden has risen 31% compared to the same period in 2021.
They add Northwest EMS can receive emergency calls that can require an ambulance and crew to travel to a neighbouring community, affecting response time.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says, “We closely monitor changes to call volume in each of the communities we serve. By allocating additional resources in Dryden, we can better meet the demand for EMS services during peak hours in the area. The enhancement of an additional crew and capacity allows KDSB Northwest EMS to continue to provide the highest level of care to individuals and families in need of emergency response.”
