New ambulances announced in Alberta, paramedic's union says not enough
There are 10 new ambulances in Alberta, but industry advocates say there aren't enough people to operate them.
Tuesday, AHS announced that Edmonton and Calgary will each get five new ambulances, and 20 paramedics to help operate them.
AHS reports that 911 call volumes have remained at 30 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels, with an increase of 60 per cent since 2010.
In addition to higher demand, AHS said in a press release that staff illness and fatigue have contributed to pressure on paramedics.
The announcement was met with criticism by the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA), the union representing Alberta paramedics.
"When you hear information, like adding resources to a system that is under pressure that needs the additional resources, I'll take that as good news every day of the week," Mike Parker, HSAA president, said. "The reality I have though, is that we're sitting at over 500 vacancies this week in the province."
"The situation is so dire today. We have the vehicles sitting there, the physical ambulances are sitting there, we just don't have the people."
Parker said that code-reds, called when there are no crews available to respond to 911 calls, are an everyday event in Alberta. He added that new ambulances are a good thing, but that focus should be on staffing to keep all ambulances on the road.
"As I've said, this is a step in a positive direction. We need a few more steps in [a] positive direction. Maybe it's time to start running in a positive direction to take care of the folks who take care of us," Parker said.
Parker said finding more full-time staff is needed,with less than 50 of the last 1,100 paramedic hires in Alberta being full-time. AHS should work on making Alberta a preferred employer to attract paramedics from across the country and help keep the ones already working in the province, he added.
"On the front lines, our folks are doing all they can to hold this system. And they're doing a great job of keeping us all safe," said Parker. "They need the support, they need the policies to ensure that they're taken care of."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.