PUBLIC SERVICE ADVISORY

EHS, Nova Scotia Health, and IWK remind Nova Scotians to make the right call 

Thursday, January 11, 2024

As we navigate a surge in respiratory-related illnesses, EHS Operations, Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health would like to remind Nova Scotians how to make the right call to access the right care, including knowing when to call 9-1-1.

Using the 9-1-1 system appropriately allows paramedic resources to be available in cases of medical emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life.

We encourage Nova Scotians to call 9-1-1 for medical or life-threatening emergencies including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Stroke/facial awareness
  • New onset of weakness
  • Heart attack/chest pain or tightness
  • Unable to wake up/unconscious
  • Sudden onset of severe headache or confusion
  • Seizure and/or head injury
  • Major assault
  • Severe difficulty breathing or trouble speaking
  • Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
  • Major trauma, such as loss of limb or laceration
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Severe burn

If your situation is considered minor or non-urgent, please visit your healthcare provider, call 811, contact VirtualCareNS, or go to a walk-in clinic, community pharmacy primary care clinic, urgent treatment centre, or mobile primary care clinic. You can find the right care for you through the new YourHealthNS app.

Download the YourHealthNS mobile app:


On the App Store for ios devices
On Google Play for Android devices
Health needs that may be addressed at the above options include:

  • Prescription refills or renewals excluding prescriptions related to controlled substances. (Please note: 811 cannot refill or renew prescriptions.)
  • Mild abdominal pain
  • Mild strains/sprains
  • Mild Headaches
  • Earaches
  • Sore throat
  • Minor infections
  • Skin and eye irritations
  • Mild asthma
  • Minor respiratory issues
  • Cough, flu, or cold symptoms
  • Urinary tract infections

EHS has several programs that provide the support, response, and care that meet the needs of Nova Scotians. These include community paramedic programs, single paramedic response units, and a registered nurse working on-site in the EHS Medical Communications Centre (MCC), collaborating directly with the on-site physician, clinical support paramedic, and communications officers.

The MCC nurse provides 9-1-1 callers with recommendations for alternative forms of care following a structured, in-depth assessment of the situation.

Please note other options for care:


These care pathways are based on best practices and research evidence and by matching them with your medical need it will allow us to provide the right care for the right patient at the right time for the right reasons.

Remember: in the event of a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1 and a paramedic crew will be dispatched immediately.

Keeping patients, healthcare workers and the public safe is always our top priority.

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Media Contacts:

Emergency Health Services
Remo Zaccagna
C: 902.717.4690 T: 902.468.2315

Nova Scotia Health
Provincial media line: 1-844-483-3344

IWK Health
Andrea Slaney
Cell: 902-223-7090