(Submitted/ Lyle Karasiuk)

By Nigel Maxwell

Emergency response

Parkland Medical Communication Center receives digital upgrade

Dec 9, 2025 | 1:12 PM

An upgrade to the Prince Albert based Parkland Medical Communications and Coordination Centre, is expected to improve efficiencies when someone calls requiring an emergency response.

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) was launched Tuesday morning and essentially transitions the infrastructure from analog to fully digital platforms.

Director of Support Services and Media Relations Lyle Karasiuk explained NG9-1-1enables improved caller location accuracy through IP-based routing rather than legacy telephone networks and establishes the foundation for enhanced public communication options in the future.

“NG911 strengthens the entire emergency response system by improving speed, accuracy, resiliency, and information flow. It allows dispatch centers to operate more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and deliver safer, faster outcomes for the public and responders,” he said.

These lights are at each dispatch station and indicate to the medical communications team that they are free, busy, have a call waiting, those sort of silent communications. (Submitted/ Lyle Karasiuk)

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Medical Communications North covers a large area including communities in Canwood, Big River, LaRonge, Prince Albert National Park, Pelican Narrows, Deschambault, Hudson Bay, Nipawin, Cumberland House, Melfort, Tisdale, Blaine Lake, Shellbrook and more.

With this milestone achieved, all three Medical Communications and Coordination Centers across the province have now completed this major system upgrade.

The provincial communication run by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency was the first to use it, followed by Regina and Saskatoon. Karasiuk said it’s great to have all three medical communication centers speaking the same language.

“And that’s really important because when one center is busy for example, there are fail safes that allow the caller to be transferred to another center. That doesn’t happen often, but it can,” he said.

Karasiuk added confusion issues can result when not all three centers are using the same technology or communication standards.

“And this prevents any of that,” he said.

Key Advantages of NG911

1. Enhanced Caller Communications

• Supports voice, text-to-911, and the future ability to receive photos, video, and sensor data.
• Improves accessibility for people who cannot speak, are deaf/hard of hearing, or are in unsafe situations.

2. Improved Location Accuracy

• Uses GIS-based routing and advanced device location to pinpoint callers with far greater precision.
• Reduces misroutes, transfers, and improves response times—especially for mobile and rural callers.

3. Smarter Call Routing & Reduced Delays

• Calls are routed to the correct PSAP based on geographic data rather than phone network boundaries.
• Dynamic rerouting ensures calls reach the next available center during outages or high-volume events.

4. Increased System Resiliency

• Redundant IP networks support failover, load sharing, and continuity of operations.
• Allows PSAPs to maintain service during disasters, maintenance, or unexpected interruptions.

5. Better Interoperability Across Agencies

• Standardized IP architecture enables seamless sharing of voice, location, and incident data between police, fire, EMS, and partner agencies.
• Strengthens coordination during multi-jurisdiction incidents.

6. Integration with Modern Public Safety Systems

• Aligns directly with next-generation CAD, mapping, AVL, and data analytics platforms.
• Enables data-driven operations, performance metrics, improved situational awareness, and smarter resource deployment.

7. Accessibility, Equity & Public Expectations

• Expands access for all users, including those with disabilities or language barriers.
• Meets modern expectations for digital communication and emergency service capability.

8. Future-Proof Platform

• Built to support emerging technologies: connected vehicles, medical devices, IoT sensors, and advanced caller data services.
• Reduces reliance on aging telecom infrastructure that is being retired.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell