The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a pilot project to manage ambulance offload delays in Regina and Saskatoon.  The new triage software support system to be introduced in June is going to put a Registered Nurse in place who will evaluate calls from the Emergency Medical Dispatcher which are deemed non-emergent. If the patient doesn’t need an ambulance, the RN will direct patients to an alternative health care option. The RN will be available 12 hours a day,

In a news release the Government of Saskatchewan says a significant number of patients calling 911 are taken to a provincial Emergency Department. And it isn’t always the place they need to be to deal with their health care issue. As well when EMS responders are at hospital, if a bed isn’t available, they have to stay at the hospital in care of the patient until the patient can be transferred, which ties up EMS responders from returning to their home communities to respond to other emergencies.

Medavie Health Services West provides emergency paramedic and dispatch services to the City of Saskatoon and surrounding rural communities as well as regional dispatch services. Medavie Health Services-West Chief Operating Officer Gerry Schriemer said,

“Adding secondary triage with Registered Nurses, as an enhancement to the Medical Priority Dispatch System used in MCCCs (Medical Communication and Coordination Centres), will provide our region with additional care options when transport may not be the most appropriate option. This is another exciting advancement on providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”