Alberta EMS system ‘broken’, says union leader

Paul Goransen, Director of Protective Services with The City of Red Deer, explains The City provides contracted services for paramedics to the province.

“In essence, it’s the province’s mandate to provide that program throughout the province. They made that change a number of years ago, because it used to be municipalities,” he says. “In a lot of cases, council establishes services levels and funding, but in this case, it’s the province who determines the level of service required and how best to provide it.”

Goransen says The City provides five ambulances and the staff to go with them, but couldn’t comment further on whether The City believes greater investment needs to be made.

Meanwhile, Alberta’s Chief Paramedic says Alberta Health Services does recognize the numbers as presented.

“We know there have been circumstances of delayed response and we don’t want that. We want to ensure that we have coverage to ensure that every Albertan receives an ambulance in a timely manner,” says Darren Sandbeck.

“We’re now beginning to understand where those investments need to be made and once the opportunity presents itself to make those investments, we’re well-positioned to be able to do that.”

Parker says more resources are needed now.

“Our paramedic members across the province have been saying for a long time that front-line resources have failed to keepup with demand. We now have the proof to back up those claims.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Alberta EMS system ‘broken’, says union leader

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