Thursday, July 15, 2021

 


Renewed Ambulance Services:

When you call 911 for a medical emergency, you should feel confident that help is on the way. That’s why we’re taking action to improve B.C.’s ambulance system by making it faster and more responsive, and a better place to work for paramedics.
 
Our government is hiring 85 new full-time paramedics and 30 new full-time dispatchers. We’re also funding 22 new ambulances around the province. To better serve rural communities, we’re converting 22 rural ambulance stations to 24/7 ALPHA stations. We’re also directing health authorities to add additional staff at hospital emergency departments to receive patients from ambulances – so that paramedics can get back on the road to respond to calls more quickly.
 
We’re also making changes to the board and leadership of BC Emergency Health Services, making it more accountable to the Minister of Health, with a mandate to ensure better service for British Columbians.
 
Since 2017, the BC Emergency Health Services annual budget has increased from $424.25 million to $559.12 million a year, doubling the average annual spending increases compared to the previous year. There is still more to do, and we’re committed to making sure these services are there when people need them.
 
Many parts of our province are also dealing with the impacts of wildfires right now. My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted, and all the first responders who are assisting. Let’s do our part to prevent forest fires by respecting current bans on campfires, open fires, and fireworks.
 
The federal and provincial governments have both committed to matching donations to the Red Cross' British Columbia Fires Appeal. That means every dollar donated will become $3 to support the people affected by this fire season. You can donate in the following ways:


Thank you,