December 22, 2014
RED DEER — Starting next year, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be providing 24-hour Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to residents and visitors of Nordegg and the surrounding area.
Lyle McKellar, Executive Director for Central Zone AHS EMS, says a dedicated ambulance will be based and staffed in the community to ensure the Nordegg area has around-the-clock EMS access.
“Nordegg’s remote location provides some unique health care challenges that require a more consistent level of emergency medical coverage,” says McKellar.
Currently, ambulance service in Nordegg is provided by volunteers within the community. Over the last several years, it’s been difficult recruiting and maintaining volunteers to provide the level of service required to support the community and surrounding area.
“We appreciate the commitment volunteers have shown in providing important Emergency Medical Services to the community since 2010,” says McKellar.
“Associated Ambulance is extending the opportunity to any current volunteers to be included in the casual pool to support the new service.”
On average, EMS responds to nearly 100 calls a year in the Nordegg area, which supports vital forestry, mining, oil and gas and recreational industries.
Associated Ambulance will be contracted to provide 24-hour emergency medical services on behalf of AHS beginning early in 2015. Associated is the largest contract provider in the province; currently operating 21 ambulance stations, including Rocky Mountain House.
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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