July 24, 2014
MEDICINE HAT – Alberta Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (AHS EMS) paramedics have a new station to serve the fastest growing part of the city.
The new EMS station, located at 3201 13 Ave. S.E., will primarily serve the southern half of the city. It provides larger bays for two ambulances and equipment, comfortable working areas for the crews, and additional office space for support personnel.
“The new and modern station gives EMS crews easy access to Southview Drive and is only blocks away from five large adult and seniors condominium complexes,” says AHS Chief Zone Officer Sean Chilton. “The new space does allow us to look at further expansion as the city grows and demand for EMS increases.”
Between 1999 and 2012, the City of Medicine Hat recorded population growth of 11,000 people and about 60 per cent of that growth occurred in the southeast part of the city.
Of the 3,100 calls to EMS in 2012, 42 per cent were located within a seven-block radius of the new station.
“There are 204 EMS stations in 151 communities across the province,” says Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Infrastructure. “They are strategically spread out so that no matter where you live, that critical clinical service is close to hand.”
Emergency call volumes by EMS in Medicine Hat have increased from about 330 per month in 2011/12 to about 380 per month in 2013/14.
The previous station, located along TransCanada Way and in use since 2005, was built to be a temporary location until a permanent station could be built.
“This new station is well located to serve a growing part of the city, giving patients timely access to emergency medical care,” says Fred Horne, Minister of Health. “This is a sophisticated facility designed with improved patient care in mind. This is an exciting development for EMS in Medicine Hat.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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