Over 100 EMS services involved in project.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services has been named a leading agency on a project focusing on the use of ambulance lights and sirens.
The project, which involves more than 100 EMS services, has been started by the National EMS Quality Alliance.
Officials say most EMS crashes occur when lights and sirens are on, and in most settings, sirens and lights save an average of one minute during an emergency medical response.
In 2019, Niagara EMS revised policies for use of sirens and lights, limiting their use to critical, time-sensitive situations only.
"Niagara EMS has transformed from a strictly time-based response system to one that provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place and by the right provider. Making sure ambulance warning systems are used for true emergency situations where minutes will make a difference in the clinical outcome of a patient, provides a balance of safety for the community and responders. Niagara EMS is proud to operate an advanced paramedic service that can make these improvements locally and contribute to this change in practice and EMS culture internationally." ~ Kevin Smith, Niagara EMS Chief.
As part of the project, Niagara EMS will explore further opportunities to minimize light and siren use in the coming months.
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