Future of Lethbridge’s Integrated EMS remains in limbo

Lethbridge City Council and its staff continue to look into possible solutions to save the current integrated emergency services model.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the City had begun talks with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), the organization representing firefighters, of which the paramedics are members, in the addressing the wage component.

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services employees who staff ambulances make close to 40-percent more than their counterparts, not jointly trained as firefighters.

“Our integrated firefighter and EMS teams consistently provide excellent care for our community,” Mayor Blaine Hyggen said during a news conference Wednesday morning.