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Errors caused emergency call delays: Report – Metro US

Errors caused emergency call delays: Report

Human error is responsible for two delayed emergency response times this month, according to an internal review of the city’s Public Safety Communications.

Four emergency calls that took place over eight days in June had a slow response time, one of which was the stabbing of an RCMP officer downtown. It took EMS 15 minutes to arrive on the scene after they were dispatched to the wrong address.

“It has pointed to some gaps in existing protocols where clear direction is not provided, as well as the need for ongoing and additional training,” said chair of the PSC board of governance and fire chief Bruce Burrell. “I can’t say there were a whole lot of surprises. I think we were well aware of the issues.”

In additional to improving protocols, manager of the PSC, Steve Dongworth said they are hoping to have an increased presence of police.

“It’s a significant resource commitment but obviously the police have decided this is something they’re willing to commit to,” Dongworth said.

Burrell said they hope to have eight to 10 police officers in the call centre by fall.

The PSC centre is a City of Calgary operation, which dispatches 9-1-1 calls for police, fire and ambulance services.