Shandro proceeds with EMS dispatch consolidation despite mayors’ pleas

“My decision is not to overturn AHS’s decision,” Shandro wrote. “This decision is not ‘an unknown,’ it’s the best practice and the standard practice in Alberta, in most other provinces, and in other countries whose health systems are most like ours.”

Shandro stated his expectation that the mayors will support a seamless transition now that he’s made up his mind.

“We’ve paid four cities to dispatch ambulances for 11 years now. Ten or 20 years ago, before CAD, there may have been real advantages to having dispatchers sit in a room together; there may have been good reasons for cities to fight to keep EMS dispatch. But there’s just no reason to keep doing it other than protecting the status quo.”

Shandro says the province will save $9 million from these contracts that can be invested in improving service, as opposed to “redundant dispatch.”

our other Alberta health ministers had previously overturned calls for EMS dispatch in the four municipalities to be consolidated.

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer, Calgary’s Naheed Nenshi, Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman and Don Scott of Wood Buffalo issued a joint statement Friday blasting Shandro’s decision.

“We are strongly opposed to this Friday afternoon announcement by Minister Shandro, conveniently delivered just as the first major winter storm blows into Alberta. His letter contains many inaccuracies and we will address these, together, early next week.”

The City of Red Deer says that under the existing integrated dispatch model, a fire unit capable of providing life-saving care is first to arrive at an emergency 40 per cent of time. They contend that under a consolidated system, response times will be slower.

The NDP Opposition says Shandro and Premier Jason Kenney have refused to look at the evidence.

“There’s a real chance these changes will make service levels worse in these communities,” says David Shepherd, NDP Health Critic. “Jason Kenney is rolling the dice with Albertans’ lives to pay for his $4.7 billion corporate handout.”

Local union president raises concerns over 911 EMS dispatch services consolidation

Lethbridge Fire & EMS, Alberta NDP call for cancellation of 911 EMS dispatch consolidation

Mayor “disappointed” following EMS consolidation meeting with Shandro

Alberta to review concerns of four mayors who oppose 911 EMS dispatch consolidation

Health Minister sees no evidence consolidating EMS dispatch will hurt response times

by Josh Hall

Shandro proceeds with EMS dispatch consolidation despite mayors’ pleas

What's Happening