Grey County has added an additional 12-hour paramedic services shift at both the Hanover and Owen Sound bases. The two additional ambulances have been operating since the beginning of July. The extra resources are helping Grey County to continue to respond quickly to emergency calls and meet response time targets as paramedic services call volumes grow.
Grey County experienced a sharp rise in the number of paramedic services calls in recent years. In 2022, a ten-year comprehensive deployment review was completed to help project call volumes and identify where and when more resources will be needed to maintain current service levels. Grey County Council endorsed the recommendations of the review which will be implemented over ten years during annual budgeting. The additional shifts for Hanover and Owen Sound are part of the 2024 plan.
“When you’re experiencing a medical emergency and need to call 9-1-1 you want paramedics to arrive quickly,” said Brian Milne, Grey County Warden. “Grey County is investing in our paramedic services and working closely with our system partners so residents can have confidence paramedics will be there in their moments of greatest need.”
In another innovation, Grey County paramedics have begun carrying a new drug to respond to opioid overdoses. In July, paramedics started administering Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) which decreases the severity of the withdraw symptoms that often lead to repeated opioids use. Not only does Suboxone help prevent the continued use of an unsafe opioid supply, it also creates a crucial window for patients to stabilize and consider addiction treatment and recovery. Further, a new agreement with Brightshores Health System allows Grey County paramedics to transport patients directly to the new Wellness and Recovery Centre in Owen Sound where they can access 24/7 addiction services and the most appropriate care.
“The seamless transition from emergency response to specialized addiction care is a significant step in combating the opioid crisis in our region,” said Grey County Director of Paramedic Services Kevin McNab. “Having a near death experience like an opioid overdose can provide the clarity needed to choose recovery.”
