New Toronto EMS position?

[yorkphotog]

I'm constantly hearing Toronto EMS dispatchers referring to the "siren coordinator" over the last few days. Any idea what this is all about?

 

[pathalogical]

I don't have an answer, but, I have heard that as well. More specifically, they say "It's after 11pm, standy for siren coordinator". Shortly afterwards, one of the units on standby was given a station to post to. Have you heard any specific times or just randomly throughout the day ?

 

[newtoscanning]

software

Siren (Sirens?) is a software package that EMS is introducing to help predict where calls will come in, and where resources should be allocated (70% of calls are in 30% of the geography served).

I presume the next phase is being rolled out where they are now relying on the system, (it learning from call stats and vehcile GPS) to tell units where to go for standby, and allow the software to manage resources, rather than the 4 zone dispatchers looking a the screen and using their instinct.

Tried to find a website or something about the software, but couldn't, if you dig hard you'll find it.

 

[exkalibur]

This is in preparation to eliminate the current quadrant system.

There will be a single channel where everyone not on an assignment will camp out. They'll be dispatched by this dispatcher, then told to switch to the appropriate quadrant channel. They'll then switch to Desttination to get one, then clearing to clear a call, then back to the main channel.

From what I've heard, this is what the HDOC channel will be used for.

 

[exkalibur]

Also, a bit of history.

It has long been standard that Ontario ambulances be posted on Code 8 "stand-by" for coverage. This is called System Status Management. In theory, its a great way to ensure coverage when resources are spread thin. However, it takes a signifigant toll on medics (one study showed over 80 percent of medics under 35 complained of increased back pain when using SSM).

Toronto has used a form of SSM for awhile - there are certain locations in the city used for standby for a particular area. Islington and Norseman being one you'd hear fairly often.

With this new approach, they're trying to give medics a chance to relax and un-wind between calls. Using Cyren software, they look at the last 6 months of call data, in conjunction with traffic loads (from a feed from Toronto Traffic for real-time traffic conditions), time of day, available resources and their travel times, etc... The software will determind the most 'appropriate' ambulance station to stage at. This is anticipated to cut down on "mobile 90's" (taking lunch in the truck) and travel time to/from a station for a lunch.

If you ask my opinion, the REAL solution is to increase staffing levels. This is just a band-aid solution.

 

[EJB]

Also, a bit of history.

It has long been standard that Ontario ambulances be posted on Code 8 "stand-by" for coverage. This is called System Status Management. In theory, its a great way to ensure coverage when resources are spread thin. However, it takes a signifigant toll on medics (one study showed over 80 percent of medics under 35 complained of increased back pain when using SSM).

Toronto has used a form of SSM for awhile - there are certain locations in the city used for standby for a particular area. Islington and Norseman being one you'd hear fairly often.

With this new approach, they're trying to give medics a chance to relax and un-wind between calls. Using Cyren software, they look at the last 6 months of call data, in conjunction with traffic loads (from a feed from Toronto Traffic for real-time traffic conditions), time of day, available resources and their travel times, etc... The software will determind the most 'appropriate' ambulance station to stage at. This is anticipated to cut down on "mobile 90's" (taking lunch in the truck) and travel time to/from a station for a lunch.

If you ask my opinion, the REAL solution is to increase staffing levels. This is just a band-aid solution.

I prefer hearing standby's at Danny and Danny

As for staffing increases, good luck with that, maybe Mayor Miller will be sympathetic but then again you guys dont like him anyway.

 

[exkalibur]

Haha, yea... It took me a bit to figure out Danny and Danny. Until I went for a walk one day for dinner at Swiss Chalet at Danforth and Danforth

I lived a block away for like 2 years and never picked up on it...lol

 

[plaws]

Toronto has used a form of SSM for awhile - there are certain locations in the city used for standby for a particular area. Islington and Norseman being one you'd hear fairly often.

Montreal has used SSM since Urgences Sante's inception in December of 1981 ... before it was even in vogue to call it SSM. Over the years (long after I moved away) the number of units on the road has decreased so I can't imagine what it's like now. <shudder>

If you ask my opinion, the REAL solution is to increase staffing levels. This is just a band-aid solution.

Always has been.

OTOH, using software to predict where calls come from isn't a bad thing. At least it has the promise of decreasing response times, which reduces the biggest risk to paramedic health: collisions while responding.