Northumberland County says all ambulances were tied up when a two-vehicle collision in Cobourg left two people waiting nearly an hour for paramedics on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Emergency services were dispatched at approximately 2:12 p.m. to the intersection of James Street East and College Street following reports of a collision involving two vehicles.
One driver suffered facial injuries while the other complained of chest pains.
Paramedics arrived on scene 52 minutes after the initial 9-1-1 call was received.
According to Kate Campbell, Director of Communications for Northumberland County, there were nine ambulances in service across the county at the time of the call.
Campbell said three ambulances were experiencing off-load delays at area hospitals while the remaining six were already assigned to active emergency calls.
“9-1-1 dispatch triaged that all those involved in this call were conscious, alert, out of vehicles and mobile, with any symptoms experienced being non-life threatening,” said Campbell.
“The call was therefore placed in holding until an ambulance became available.”
Campbell added that if dispatch determines a call to be life-threatening and no ambulances are available within Northumberland County, an ambulance from a neighbouring service can be sent under the province’s “seamless coverage” provisions within the Ambulance Act.
Video – Nearly An Hour Delay for Paramedics to Arrive at Collision in Cobourg
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
