About "When Every Second Counts"
The "When Every Second Counts" campaign is Ontario's first provincewide initiative dedicated to combating 9-1-1 misuse. Launched by the Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC), this critical public education campaign addresses the growing strain on emergency services across the province.
Ontario's first provincewide campaign to reduce 9-1-1 misuse and ensure emergency lines remain available for those who truly need them.
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About ESSC
The Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC) is a joint committee comprising municipalities from the Big City Mayors of Ontario (BCMO), the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO), and the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB). Our membership consists of Chief Administrative Officers and City Managers from regions and municipalities involved in emergency services and municipal budgets. We provide advocacy, background information, and research on all issues relating to emergency service costs.
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Our Approach
The “When Every Second Counts” campaign takes a three-pronged approach.
1. Education: Helping Ontarians understand what constitutes a true emergency.
2. Alternatives: Promoting awareness of non-emergency numbers and resources.
3. Empowerment: Giving communities the tools to make informed decisions in various situation.
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Our Mission
To ensure that 9-1-1 lines remain open for genuine emergencies by educating Ontarians about proper emergency service usage and promoting awareness of alternative resources for non-emergency situations.
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The Challenge We Face
Across Ontario, emergency services are experiencing unprecedented pressure: Nearly half of all 9-1-1 calls are for non-emergencies. Call volumes continue to rise year-over-year. Many Ontarians call 9-1-1 for situations that should be directed to other resources. Every non-emergency call potentially delays response to a life-threatening situation.
