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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 29, 2015 | 12 Need for six 24-hr. ambulances forecast for 2015/16 continued from p.10 those in younger age groups. In 2014, approximately 14 per cent of the population was older than age 65, but this age group accounted for more than 50 per cent of all paramedic calls. With the current ambulances staffed, when call volume is at its lowest level, the master plan suggests six additional 24-hour ambulances will be needed between 201516. Pomax also recommended ERUs, in addition to ambulances, continue to be used with six units staffed 12 hours each day over the next 10 years. Fully-equipped ERUs cost about 50 per cent of a fully-equipped ambulance and besides providing enhanced coverage, they're often first on the scene, the report indicated. ERUs introduced in 2011 Dedicated ERUs staffed by a single paramedic were introduced in 2011. There are currently three units staffed 12 hours each day in rural Milton, southwest Oakville and north Burlington. Over the past 10 years, call volume increased from 28,707 calls in 2005 to 40,664 in 2014, an increase of 41.7 per cent, consultants reported. Call-volume typically begins to increase at 8 a.m. and continues to rise until peaking at noon. It remains high until approximately 11 p.m. Existing paramedic stations are well located to provide coverage, but Pomax indicated they have limited options for expansion to accommodate additional vehicle requirements. It's recommended that a hybrid model of the existing local ambulance stations and a 25-bay central reporting station be used and combined with a mobile emergency response unit. This strategy is already being used in Toronto, Peel Region, Waterloo and Ottawa. On the technology front, Pomax recommended all calls be transmitted electronically via in-vehicle computers and mobile data terminals instead of via voice transmissions, so paramedics have instant access to details, location, and routing information. DIAMOND 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship M a D e to "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 FRESH & MaDe DELICIOUS NaChoS Create your dream FreSh orDer BURRITOS 289-837-0111 thehabanero.ca Located Across the Street from Sheridan College on Trafalgar Rd. 1289 Marlborough Court, oakville Kitchen or Bathroom! 20 Y Exper ears ience FREE INSTALLATION SOmE ExcEpTIONS, pLEASE vISIT ShOwROOm FOR dETAILS. OFFER ExpIRES mARch 2015 MAY 31,31, 2015 333 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 3, Oakville 905.844.3332 Free Estimates www.aromakitchens.ca