Concerns raised about Alberta’s new ambulance dispatch system
Posted May 9, 2017 7:19 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Real, serious and concerning problems are continuing to surface out of the province’s new ambulance dispatch system.
Local leaders say they’re fed-up, they’re tired of being ignored and they’re calling on the health minister to reinstate their own services after patients noted lengthy delays upwards of an hour.
They fear someone could end up seriously hurt or worse because of bureaucracy.
Foothills Councillor Suzanne Oel said there is a breakdown of communication between dispatch and local crews.
“We’ve approached and gone through all avenues of diplomatic relations to try and bring this matter to the attention of the minister,” she said.
“At this point we have no response.”
Turner Valley is seeing similar issues. Fire Chief Glenn Baxter said it’s making their job more difficult.
“There’s times where responders’ safety is a concern and that information isn’t getting passed along quickly enough because of the multiple steps in the chain,” he said.
They add it’s not just residents affected, if you need an ambulance while visiting K-Country or Banff you might find yourself waiting.
The health minister was unavailable for comment but did issue a statement, in it her office writes, “they are aware of concerns.”
