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Dispatch agreement sees reduced lifesaving response times in Markham

March 17, 2023, Markham, Ont. – Markham Fire & Emergency Services (MFES) has decreased its “call to customer” time to 60 seconds and improved its responsiveness through a dispatch service agreement between MFES and Barrie Fire & Emergency Service (BFES). This agreement allows BFES to provide around the clock emergency call-taking and dispatch service to MFES.

Since the implementation of the service agreement, MFES has seen simultaneous notifications and the modernization of emergency services tools, including upgraded technology on all MFES fire trucks. Each apparatus is now equipped with a tablet that allows firefighters to see information in real-time, meaning critical and potentially life-saving information is now received more quickly.

“Through this proactive partnership we have been able to drastically modernize many aspects of fire protection service delivery used at the city,” said MFES Chief Adam Grant in a press statement. “This is important for many reasons – one being that we are able to respond faster and more efficiently to any call for assistance we receive, which in some cases can be life-altering. It also has us well positioned for the upcoming mandatory transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 expected in 2024.”