Addressing Emergency Medical Service Resource Allocation Deficiencies

Across Alberta there has been a degradation in the service level emergency medical services (EMS) have the ability to provide, resulting in increased harm to both patients and emergency workers.

There are certain realities that come with increased population, an increased reliance on emergency services is one of those. Since 2010, there has been an increase in call volumes of 59.8%, with some years experiencing more than 50% increase in calls. Unfortunately, the increase in calls has not been met with adequate resources or changes in process, culminating in Calgary and Edmonton leading the country in red alerts.

1. Immediately contract a third party to review Alberta’s emergency medical services and publicly release their findings; and,
2. Form a committee of leadership from the Government of Alberta Ministry of Health, Alberta Health Services including Emergency Medical Services and all stakeholders to review and implement the recommendations by incorporating best practices with a view to outcomes, viability and implementation.