About
The CAUREQ (Centre d’appel d’urgence des régions de l’Est du Québec) is a non-profit organization that receives 9-1-1 calls from citizens of the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Côte-Nord regions. Our centre also works with municipalities, and more specifically, with their fire protection services and our related partners at prevention and emergency response simulation activities, and likewise, to coordinate large-scale events and continuing professional development training with responders, in relation to our other responsibilities. Our duty is to notify all required services during an emergency response. As a result, we work in close collaboration with the police. Furthermore, the CAUREQ ensures that fire services, ambulances, and first responders are deployed in their area of service.
Background
The CAUREQ was founded in 1996 by the Les Basques, Rimouski-Neigette and La Mitis RMCs, who wanted to provide a 9-1-1 emergency call service to their citizens. Following its creation, other municipalities joined the project and the regional call centre became a reality. Then, on November 25, 1999, the CAUREQ received its first 9-1-1 call.
On December 19, 2002, the CAUREQ was recognized by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux as a health communication centre for Eastern Quebec. This recognition identified our organization as the regional authority for emergency medical calls. Its vocation expanded and diversified over the years, leading to a rapid rise in the number of calls. In January 2009, the organization relocated to a new ultra-modern building complying with the highest security and quality standards. Then, on December 17, 2013, the organization obtained certification from the Ministère de la Sécurité publique recognizing the quality of its infrastructure, employees and service. This certification has since been renewed, in accordance with requirements. Today, the CAUREQ covers 187 municipalities and nine First Nation communities in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Côte-Nord regions. Representing 92 fire services and 19 ambulance services.