Medavie Health Services West is asking residents to “STOP and Check” before calling 911 after they received 691 false emergency calls last year.

Troy Davies, Director of Public Affairs for Medavie says, “Last Summer our paramedics were responding to individuals who were sleeping in the park. We appreciate the Good Samaritans who are looking out for others, but please ensure they actually require an ambulance before calling.”

Medavie has 12-14 full time ambulances on the street during the day. The total amount of calls coming in have increased by more than 5000 from 2020 to 2021.

Medavie takes in more than 40,000 emergency calls every year. By responding to false calls it restricts paramedics from assisting people who are in an actual emergency.

Knowing when to call an ambulance can help call volumes, but if you are ever in doubt on weather to call or not, always make the call.