Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement that Airdrie will be receiving an ambulance next month during a live stream presentation this morning.

"They're [the Alberta EMS provincial Advisory Committee] making real progress starting with more ambulances on the streets in the coming months. Five each in Calgary and Edmonton and each year for the next two years; for a total of 20 new ambulances in our two largest cities," he said.  "Lethbridge and Red Deer will each have an additional 12-hour shift per day and Airdrie will have a new ambulance next month."

According to a provincial press release, a significant increase in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funding will put more ambulances on the street and improve response times.The $64-million, or 12.2 per cent, the increase will help EMS respond to high demand and stress on staff and includes:

  • $28 million to add more ground ambulances and crews, in addition to sustainable funding for helicopter air ambulance services
  • $22 million to increase capacity, extend ground ambulance contracts and support integrated operations centres and inter-facility transports projects
  • $14 million for the “hours of work” initiative, to address crew fatigue

The majority of the 10 points announced in January are now implemented and beginning to show results. AHS has hired 66 staff and recruitment continues.

As part of the Metro Response Plan that rolled out in early February, nine communities have seen a drop in ambulances being called to neighbouring urban centres: Strathcona County, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont, Calmar, Josephburg, Airdrie and Cochrane. For example, trips from Beaumont to Edmonton dropped by almost 50 per cent and trips from Airdrie to Calgary are down by 43 per cent.

“I’m confident this boost in EMS funding will strengthen the system and better serve all Albertans by adding capacity and improving efficiency. We are investing a record level on health care in Budget 2022 to have a strong and resilient health system that can meet the needs of Albertans during and after this pandemic, when and where they need that care," said Premier Jason Kenney.

 

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