Service ensures effective emergency response
People with developmental disabilities in BC can make any future trips with the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) much safer and easier for themselves and for responding paramedics by informing BCAS ahead of time of their special needs. This information will be stored in the BCAS database and only used when there is a call to 911 from a registered address.
Responding paramedics will be able to provide a more effective service by having information about how to access the caller’s home, their medical and physical requirements, their mobility and communication needs, any other limitations, and emergency contact numbers of family or friends.
This confidential information is only for the use of emergency call dispatchers and the paramedics as they respond to calls for assistance. Although this service has been available for many years, there is a new effort to ensure that British Columbians who would benefit are aware of it.
To take part in this service, you will need to complete a form providing your information. The form is available on the website of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities at www.bccpd.bc.ca. You can also contact Karen Martin at 604-875-0188, toll-free at 1-800-663-1278, or by e-mail at Karen@bccpd.bc.ca to request the form be mailed to you.
The completed form should be e-mailed directly to BCASdispatch.operations@gov.bc.ca, or faxed to 604-215-2732.
