Re: Ambulance services in St. Albert
On April 1, 2009, the City of St. Albert Fire Services agreed to participate in a two-year contract with Alberta Health Services EMS to provide emergency medical services. Prior to transition, the city staffed two to five ambulances based on organizational need and system demand.
As a result of the transition negotiations, the City of St. Albert committed two EMS resources to the provincial system. Accordingly, funding for two advanced life support (ALS) ambulances is provided for in the existing contract.
When both ambulances are being used, an ambulance from a neighbouring community is brought in to St. Albert to provide EMS coverage. If a response from a neighbouring community is required, distance to the call may result in a longer response time.
AHS EMS continues to work with the city to understand system performance in the St. Albert area. The city can request a contract amendment to AHS EMS to address EMS resources and response times. To date, AHS EMS has received no such request.
AHS EMS values the relationship with the City of St. Albert and recognizes the city's long and proud history of EMS service delivery in the fire integrated environment. As such, AHS EMS and the City of St. Albert are working together to ensure adequate resources are in place.
Putting patients and the needs of Albertans first, AHS EMS' ultimate goal remains the same: to provide safe, high quality emergency medical care in a timely manner.
Trevor Maslyk, executive director, EMS Operations – North/Edmonton Zones, Alberta Health Services
