With resources spread thin, Essex-Windsor EMS is calling for more funding.
Chief Bruce Krauter says call volume has been steadily increasing for years, but funding hasn't been going up to match the need.
He says it's gotten to a tipping point where if service remains status quo, the public's safety could be in jeopardy.
"With every patient request call, if we don't have resources in stations, we have to cover off and then we add in the 'Code 8' or coverage calls. That brings is up to around a 3% increase per year. This year we're being projected to be close to 60,000 calls this year. So it's time to get some enhancements within the service."
During an Essex County Council meeting Wednesday night, Krauter requested an additional $3.3-million in funding.
With a unanimous vote, council agreed to include the extra cash during its 2018 budget deliberations.
Krauter says the money will go directly to the front lines.
"Our resources are being taxed. I'm looking to get more resources going into 2018. A total of 23 full-time staff, additional ambulances to cover off different pressured areas such as Jefferson, Dougall and north-east Lakeshore."
Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Krauter says call volume continues to go up as our population gets older.
"Essex County is being very favourable both as an economic climate and recruitment of retirees in develop, not only in the City of Windsor, but across the entire county in different areas and pockets of development both industrial and residential. So all of those impacts impact EMS resources and call volume."
Krauter is also suggesting the County of Essex develop an EMS Master Plan, something that's never been done in the past.
That will be discussed during 2018 budget talks as well.