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[HEALTH] · Canada · 3 sources

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Toronto stabilization centre reduces ambulance drop-off times

emergency room diversion intoxication recovery paramedic response times opioid crisis Toronto healthcare

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health indicates that diverting intoxicated individuals from emergency rooms to a specialized recovery space can significantly reduce ambulance drop-off times.

The research evaluated the first two years of the Stabilization and Connection Centre in Toronto, a 10-bed facility launched by the University Health Network in 2022. The centre is designed to redirect people intoxicated by alcohol or opioids who do not require immediate medical attention to a space staffed by support workers.

According to the study, paramedics spent a mean of approximately seven minutes on site at the centre, compared to more than 34 minutes at two nearby emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, one of the centre’s founders, noted that the model allows paramedics to return to active duty more quickly. The study also found that fewer than seven per cent of patients at the centre required transfer to a hospital, and more than half of the centre’s 4,500 visits were for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Entities

Andrew Boozary · Canadian Journal of Public Health · Toronto · University Health Network

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Sources

ER diversion to intoxication recovery program reduces ambulance drop-off times: study [www.durhamradionews.com]
ER diversion to intoxication recovery program reduces ambulance drop-off times: study [www.narcity.com]
ER diversion to intoxication recovery program reduces ambulance drop-off times: study [www.winnipegfreepress.com]