March 22, 2022
A long-term Provincial Service Plan is currently being created for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Albertans are invited to take part in a survey to share their thoughts and feedback. Photo supplied.
Story by Erin Lawrence
Albertans are being invited by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the province.
As a critical component of Alberta’s healthcare system, EMS provides emergency response to 911 calls for patients and also handles transfers between hospitals and medical facilities for patients in need of medical care.
Presently, EMS is creating a long-term Provincial Service Plan for EMS. It will reflect how EMS integrates into Alberta’s health system and provide the vision and direction for the next five years. As well, it will draw up a clear roadmap on how to get there. The plan is slated to be completed by Sept. 30.
“To create a long-term plan, it’s very important for us to hear from both those who depend on and those who help deliver our care,” says Darren Sandbeck, EMS chief paramedic and senior provincial director.
“Our first step is to assess the current state of EMS — and we’re doing this by launching an engagement website and a survey. We’re hoping to get a wide variety of involvement and comments.”
He adds that EMS is grateful for the opportunity to listen to feedback as a long-term strategic plan for EMS in Alberta is developed, and he encourages sharing this opportunity with others so they may also offer their feedback and suggestions.
“We’re very much looking forward to connecting with patients and families, frontline Alberta Health Services staff, elected officials, Indigenous communities, contracted service partners, medical first responders and other parts of the healthcare system now and over the coming months,” says Sandbeck. “These are valuable perspectives for this work.”
To take part, visit Together4Health and sign up to subscribe to our project updates so you can take part in current and future EMS engagement opportunities.
Then, watch our 30-minute introductory video on Together4Health — EMS Service Planning – Current State & Engagement — about the EMS Provincial Service Planning process. (While watching this video is optional, it does provide valuable background on EMS.)
Finally, take the Current State Survey available on the website, which should only take about 5-10 minutes. Let us know what you think is working within EMS, and what isn’t, so we can build on our strengths and plan for improvements. The survey closes on April 8.
