Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is issuing a second statement about the loss of an Advanced Care Paramedic in Airdrie this past weekend.

"The sudden loss of a member, a dedicated professional and friend deeply respected by colleagues and family, alike, continues to reverberate through our ranks. The feelings of grief, regret, and helplessness at not being able to respond to one of our own at the critical moment will linger.

This cardiac arrest took place at the Urgent Care Centre in Airdrie. HSAA has no doubt immediate care was rendered by trained health-care professionals – care in which our fallen colleague would have participated, had he not become the patient. There was no Airdrie ambulance crew available to respond. The fact that they had been pulled away from their community when this happened will be a hardship for our members who lost one of their own.

It is unacceptable that communities like Airdrie are being continually left without an ambulance to respond to emergencies. Every minute matters when urgent care is needed – lives are at risk. Had this happened in a private home, a patient would not have been afforded the appropriate care that was given to our member.

Compounding the raw emotions being felt during this time of mourning is a disappointing choice made by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Choosing to defend itself on social media rather than showing compassion to the family and colleagues of our members was disrespectful and alarming.

EMS responders needing assistance are encouraged to utilize the Employee & Family Assistance Program at 1-877-273-3134 or contact the EMS Provincial Peer Support line at 1- 855-512-4127."

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta is a trade union representing over 27,000 paramedical technical, professional and general support employees in the public and private health-care sectors of Alberta.