York Region Paramedic Services are continuing to exceed response time targets despite a more than six per cent increase in demand.
According to the 2018 Paramedic Response Time Performance Plan, York paramedics responded to 83,204 incidents, up from 78,407 incidents in 2017.
An aging population and an overall increase in population growth have contributed to the increased demand.
Paramedics exceeded response time targets for sudden cardiac arrests thanks in part to the support from local municipal fire services. Response time for sudden cardiac arrest is measured based on the arrival of any person who can provide defibrillation (CPR or AED).
Since 2001, the demand for paramedic services has increased 89 per cent, compared to a 64 per cent increase in population over the same period.
Targets for emergency medical response times are legislated by the province based on the Canadian Triage Actuity Scale and set annually by York Regional Council.
The performance plan outlines acceptable response time between when a call is made to 9-1-1 and when paramedics arrive at an emergency. The most serious of conditions requiring rescusitation, for example, must be responded to within eight minutes 75 per cent of the time.
