EMS wait times are at the top of the minds of many Albertans these days. Just last week an incident where a paramedic died while on duty in Airdrie on December 18 at the Urgent Care Centre.

An Alberta Health Services Statement on the topic of EMS response times reads:

 

AHS EMS is here for all Albertans. EMS is doing all it can to ensure timely responses to emergency medical situations. EMS will always answer 911 calls and deploy appropriate resources if Albertans need medical help.

EMS continues to see an unprecedented increase in emergency calls due to several combined factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid concerns, and emergency calls related to people returning to regular levels of activity.

All call types have increased, and staff illness and fatigue are also contributing to challenges in the EMS system. Despite this historic increase in demand, EMS continues to respond to the vast majority of serious 911 calls quickly and appropriately.

EMS has brought on additional staff and ambulances and is filling 100 paramedic positions across the province. EMS is deploying supervisors, delaying some non-urgent transfers, and also working closely with hospital teams to ensure timely flow through our emergency departments. EMS is also offering overtime to staff who are willing. EMS staff are working extremely hard to provide timely care to Alberta patients and we thank them for their tireless service.

AHS has increased the number of paramedics by nine per cent over the last two years, from 2,659 in 2019 to 2,891 in 2021 to date. (Note, this is only AHS paramedics, does not include other staff and also does not include contracted operators.)

Alberta’s EMS system is in constant fluctuation as ambulances respond to calls, arrive at hospitals, clear from calls, or as staff come on or go off shift. EMS monitors ambulance availability in real time and ensures resources are available to respond to emergencies. System adjustments are made minute by minute to make the best use of the existing resources.

Strathmore ambulances are dispatched from AHS’ Southern Communications Centre in Calgary.