LCPS and MRHA Bring Fit-to-Sit Approach to Lanark County Emergency Departments
April 15, 2026
Lanark County, Ontario – Lanark County Paramedic
Service (LCPS) has brought together hospital partners across the county, in
partnership with the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) and Perth and
Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH), to implement a "Fit-to-Sit" approach
in Emergency Departments — designed to improve patient flow, reduce ambulance
offload delays, and keep paramedic crews available for 911 calls across the
region.
When clinically appropriate, paramedics may safely transfer
certain patients directly to the Emergency Department waiting area following a
thorough assessment. Patients must meet strict clinical criteria — including
being medically stable, low acuity, and able to sit comfortably — before this
approach is used. Patients with more complex needs continue to receive care in
the traditional manner.
Lanark County has seen a steady increase in demand for
emergency services in recent years, placing added pressure on paramedic
availability across the region. The Fit-to-Sit approach helps address one
contributing factor — ambulance offload delays — by allowing paramedics to
safely return to service sooner after transporting patients to the Emergency
Department.
"Our crews are responding to more calls than ever
before, and every minute matters," said Travis Mellema, Chief of Lanark
County Paramedic Service. "Fit-to-Sit means that when your neighbour calls
911, there's an ambulance available to respond. That's what this is really
about — keeping our community safe."
The approach is now in use across Emergency Departments in
Lanark County, including Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place &
District Memorial Hospital, and Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital,
reflecting a shared commitment to improving access to emergency care across the
region.
"Patient safety is always our top priority," said
Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance.
"This process is only used when patients have been assessed and meet
clearly defined clinical criteria. Care is always prioritized based on medical
need."
Arriving by ambulance does not change how patients are
prioritized for care.
LCPS, MRHA, and partner hospitals continue to work
collaboratively to strengthen access to care and meet the growing needs of the
communities they serve.
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Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance
613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca
About Lanark County Paramedic Service
Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) provides
essential pre-hospital emergency medical care to residents and visitors across
Lanark County. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, LCPS paramedics are the
first point of contact for many in emergency situations, responding to a wide
range of medical and trauma-related calls. With a strong commitment to
innovation, professionalism, and community partnerships, LCPS is dedicated to
enhancing the health and safety of the region. For more information, visit www.lanarkcountyparamedicservice.ca.
About
the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)
The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was
formed in 2016 to formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte
General Hospital Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH),
Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) and the
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This
partnership delivers seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the
evolving needs of local communities. Together, the MRHA is building an
integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care close to home,
enhancing access and improving health outcomes throughout the region. For more
information visit www.MRHA.ca.