Paramedics prepare for potential increase in calls as students flood back to Waterloo
With students back for another year, and one large destructive party already in the books, local paramedics and hospitals are preparing for a potential increase in emergency room visits.
A gathering on Ezra Avenue on Monday resulted in property damage and two injuries requiring paramedics to transport someone to the E.R.
“It was certainly surprising,” said Region of Waterloo Paramedics Chief Jim Topham.
Topham said paramedics see an increase in calls every year when students return to Waterloo, but it doesn’t usually start this early in the semester.
The annual increase is noticeable.
“It’s a slight increase, it’s nothing major… it’s usually related to substance misuse,” Topham said.
He said while he’s confident they can handle the increased workload, it could impact their overall service.
“There is always the potential for an increase in calls related to the students coming back, which can have an impact on how we respond to the rest of the community in an already stressed healthcare system,” Topham said.
Paramedics work together with other emergency services to prepare for the return of students and large gatherings like homecoming, Topham said.
“Part of planning is making sure we have a robust operational and deployment plan in place so that we can ensure a safe response for our staff and the safety of the students who participate, and also that we are able to respond to the other people in our community who need our help, so it doesn’t have a negative impact,” Topham said.
Grand River Hospital said it doesn’t track ER volume related to students, but overall, the emergency room continues to get busier.
Every year, except the first year of the pandemic, Grand River Hospital has seen a considerable rise in the number of emergency room visits.
This year, the hospital said it is on track for 78,000 visits, an increase of over 10,000 compared to five years ago.
Topham said Region of Waterloo paramedics are hoping to hire more staff to help keep up with demand, but it’s a challenge.
Meanwhile, when it comes to dealing with the party crowd, Topham reminded the public paramedics are there to help.
“We are noticing a different attitude this year so far from the students, it seems to be a pent up frustration or a bit of aggression, so we would ask that students and anybody who calls -- we are there to care for them -- that they treat them with respect,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
Cannabis legalization coincided with uptick in ER visits from seniors: study
A new study has linked the legalization of cannabis with a rise in the number of Ontario seniors visiting emergency rooms.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.