‘Code Zero’ ambulance shortages hit 5-year high in Hamilton

There was another code zero in Hamilton Tuesday afternoon meaning there’s only one or no ambulances to respond to patients in need. That brings the number of code zeros up to 32 this month, that’s more than one a day. Hamilton paramedics say this has been the highest monthly level of code zero events in 5 years. They’re adding extra resources where they can but say it’s an alarming problem that needs to be fixed.

Monday night Hamilton mayor seen it for himself, while he waited at the General with a friend he tweeted,
“there are 8 ambulances & 16 paramedics waiting for hours to off load patients. I am told this is normal! Another 7 ambulances waiting at St. Joseph’s. Mind boggling problem that must be fixed.”

Hamilton has the highest offload delays in the province. Paramedics have to stay at the hospital with their patients until they’re admitted and sometimes that means waiting for several hours. Monday alone there were 40 instances where paramedics had to wait more than 2 hours to offload patients. Their goal is to be in and out in 30 minutes.

Challenging for front line workers and for patients, especially those with lower priority problems.

“We shouldn’t be having patients waiting on the floor of their house for more than an hour for an ambulance to come to treat fracture or injury.” Chief Michael Sanderson, Hamilton paramedics.

Everyone agreeing this needs to be fixed but right now there doesn’t seem to be any real solution.