In order to modernize ambulance services and create greater efficiency in emergency response operations, ambulances in the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services eastern zone have been equipped with a new electronic Patient Care Record (ePCR) system.

The ePCR system replaces outdated paper-based reporting with modern tablet computers. The new system includes instantaneous creation of clinical reports, and the information collected during emergencies is easily provided to emergency department staff and can be integrated with the patient’s electronic health record, which will improve information sharing and collaboration at hospitals and health care facilities. The department anticipates full implementation of ePCR in all regions of the province as part of the transition to an integrated ambulance system throughout 2023 and 2024.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Michelle Breen, Senior Provincial Director, Paramedicine and Emergency Services, NL Health Services, will be available to the media to discuss this new technology today (Monday, July 31) at 1:30 p.m. at the multi-agency communications centre, MCP Building, second floor, 45 Major’s Path in St. John’s. NL Health Services paramedicine dispatch management staff will also be on hand to provide a demonstration of the new technologies.

Each record collected by the ePCR contains important patient information, such as the location of the request for service, ambulance response times, the reason for the request for service and a complete record of the care provided by paramedics. In addition, the ePCR:

• Provides geographical information on emergency medical services and response times of ambulances;
• Allows staff to review response times and adjust operations, if necessary; and
• Shows where clinical improvement may be required and opportunities for training exist.

The ePCR is in addition to the new province-wide radio system, which began on the Avalon Peninsula in April, which improves the way emergency responders, including the RNC, RCMP, firefighters, paramedics and other public service providers communicate with each other during emergencies. Paramedics on the Avalon began using the new radio network earlier in July.

Quotes
“This is a win-win for paramedics and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The ePCR is modern technology that allows paramedics and emergency department staff to do their job more efficiently while also improving the overall care the patient receives during emergencies. We look forward to this being launched in all parts of the province as we move ahead with our ambulance integration plan.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services welcomes this initiative by the Provincial Government to add both ePCR and the P-25 radio system to ambulance services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Both systems will offer an additional layer of patient and paramedic safety and are foundational building blocks for a more efficient, modernized and fully integrated provincial ground and air ambulance system.”
Michelle Breen
Senior Provincial Director, Paramedicine and Emergency Services, NL Health Services

“ESO is proud to partner with Newfoundland and Labrador to help improve the health and safety of the community. The move to electronic patient care reports from paper records will provide crucial, data-driven insights for better patient care.”
Eric Beck
President and CEO of ESO

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Learn more
Requests for Proposals Issued for Advisors on Ambulance Integration

New Province-Wide Radio System Improves Communications for Emergency Responders

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