OPP partners with MedicAlert to support vulnerable persons
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will now be able to identify vulnerable persons when responding to calls across the province, thanks to a new partnership with MedicAlert.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced the partnership to support vulnerable persons in the community on Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2019. The service, MedicAlert Connect Protect, gives police officers 24-hour access to a registered subscriber’s photo, past wandering history, triggers, de-escalation techniques, and other medical information through MedicAlert identification in an emergent situation.
“This partnership represents a provincial approach to assist our community members. All OPP detachments across Ontario will be utilizing this valuable service,” said Sgt. Cynthia Savard, Community Safety Coordinator for the OPP East Region. “This ensures there are no issues created by boundaries across Canada and also includes US and International affiliates.”
The system may also quickly locate lost or missing vulnerable individuals, such as those living with Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia, or other cogitative brain injuries. Officers responding to an emergency involving a registered MedicAlert user will have access to the information through dispatchers.
“This partnership allows police to work with a not-for-profit organization to provide the best possible service to our community. Our citizens benefit when the police and community work together. This partnership mobilizes the community members to ensure we are able to care for vulnerable persons across Ontario,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
About MedicAlert
MedicAlert Foundation Canada (MAFCA) is the largest membership-based registered charity in Canada and it is the leading provider of emergency medical information services. MedicAlert’s mission is to ensure that all Canadians have access to high-quality health information at time of need, and has protected more than one million Canadians since 1961.
MedicAlert is backed by robust electronic health records maintained by medically trained professionals, a database directly accessible at anytime by authorized first responders, and a 24/7 Emergency Hotline with interpretation services in 140 languages, all linked to customized identification products engraved with medical conditions and special needs. Globally recognized and respected, MedicAlert “speaks for you, when you can’t.”
For more information on the MedicAlert Connect Protect service, visit medicalert.ca/connectprotect or call 1-866-696-0273.