First Responders: Faster Interventions and Improved Emergency Coverage in Laval
Credit Vincent Girard
The City of Laval has announced significant improvements to its first responder program, aimed at strengthening emergency coverage across the city and increasing survival rates. The initiative results from a renewed and enhanced agreement between the City of Laval and Urgences-santé, officially unveiled at Fire Station 6.
The one-year agreement optimizes intervention protocols and staffing assignments within the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval to ensure faster and more effective responses. Under the updated framework, all extreme emergency calls (Priority 0) will now automatically trigger the deployment of first responders. Their intervention has been shown to significantly increase survival chances in life-threatening situations.
Coverage has also been expanded to include serious emergencies (Priority 1) when ambulance arrival times exceed 10 minutes. In addition, firefighters will be released more quickly after each intervention, allowing for improved response times across the territory. Starting in 2027, first responder teams are also expected to intervene in cases of severe hypoglycemia.
Key highlights of the program
Since its launch in May 2022, the first responder program has led to measurable improvements in emergency response in Laval:
- 6,016 interventions carried out by SSIL teams
- 409 lives saved in potentially fatal situations
- Average response time reduced from over 11 minutes to under 7 minutes and 30 seconds when first responders are deployed
- All 306 Laval firefighters trained and certified as Level 1 first responders (FR-1)
- Interventions cover critical medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, drug-related overdoses, respiratory failure and unconscious persons
- Firefighters also bring expertise in water and ice rescue operations
Statements from officials
“Laval is a large territory to cover, and this valuable partnership with Urgences-santé plays a key role in public safety. Our nine strategically located fire stations help reduce response times, allowing firefighters to provide immediate care while waiting for paramedics. It is a source of pride that our fire service’s expertise is now inspiring first responder services across Quebec,” said Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval.
“Since the program’s implementation in 2022, our teams have responded to 526 cardiac arrests, with 37 people resuscitated before ambulance arrival. This enhanced agreement allows us to go even further in protecting lives. Laval is a leader in this field and will be invited to sit on the new provincial first responder committee of the MSSS,” stated Patrick Taillefer, Director of the Service de sécurité incendie de Laval.
“Urgences-santé and the City of Laval are joining forces to provide citizens with a fast and effective prehospital emergency response. Thanks to the commitment of first responders, lives are saved and morbidity is reduced. This collaboration demonstrates the strength of teamwork in service of the community,” added Michel Garceau, President and CEO of Urgences-santé.
