Brampton – In 2005, Peel's emergency communicators responded to over 274,000 calls dispatching Police, Fire and Ambulance services to residents across Peel. Though many 9-1-1 calls are true emergencies, approximately half of the calls received are non-emergencies.
To help residents better understand the proper use of the 9-1-1 system, Regional Council has proclaimed Dec. 11 to 17 as "9-1-1 Awareness Week in Peel".
"Residents need to be responsible when accessing the 9-1-1 system," said Peter Dundas, Director, Paramedic and Emergency Programs. "If it's not a true emergency, you may be preventing someone in a crisis from getting the help they need."
An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance for serious health crises, fires, crimes in progress and other incidents when life or property is at risk. Residents should not call 9-1-1 for minor situations such as noise complaints or lost wallets.
Honouring our Emergency Communicators
During 9-1-1 Awareness Week, Regional Council will also honour its more than 200 emergency communicators for their professionalism when dealing with urgent and often difficult calls every day.
On Dec. 14, Peel Regional Council will present the Paul Schram Memorial Award to the Emergency Communicators of the Year for outstanding dedication, professionalism and service to the citizens of Peel. The Paul Schram Memorial Award is named in memory of the late Paul Schram, who was instrumental in developing the 9-1-1 service in the Region of Peel.
For more information, please visit peelregion.ca or call 905-791-7800, ext. 3951.
The Region of Peel delivers a wide range of programs and services to more than one million citizens every day. This includes ambulance services, public health, long-term care, child care, waste collection, recycling and disposal, water and wastewater services, Regional road construction and maintenance, social assistance and affordable rental housing. Regional Headquarters are located at 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON. Phone Number: 905-791-7800.