Make the right call in non-emergency situations

Hamilton Paramedic Services is here to help. Hamilton Paramedic Service response times are getting longer due to an increase in call volumes and pressures on the hospital system.

Residents are encouraged to call an ambulance only in an emergency, and to seek other health care services for less urgent needs.

Make the right call in non-emergency situations

If it is a life-threatening emergency don’t hesitate. Dial 9-1-1 and Hamilton Paramedic Service will be there.If it is not an emergency – 9-1-1 is not the answer. Make the right call.

Timing is critical in a medical emergency and calling 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies will ensure paramedics will be available when you need them most.

Life threatening emergency care

If you experience a life threating emergency such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke call 9-1-1 immediately. Residents are also reminded to call an ambulance for other medical emergencies such as:

Non-emergency health care options

There are many health care options available to you if your health situation is not an emergency. Before calling for an ambulance for minor injuries, residents are asked to consider their medical needs and their options for quicker more appropriate care such as:

  • Go to a walk-in/urgent care clinic
  • Speak with a pharmacist for questions about general health or use of medications
  • Call Telehealth Ontario:1-866-737-000
  • Ontario 211 | Community and Social Services Help Line (211ontario.ca) for community and social supports
  • COVID-19: Have Symptoms or Been Exposed
  • Background