Future of current EMS model in Lethbridge in the air

A proposal, first introduced back in March by Alberta’s Emergency Health Services, continues to be a bone of contention with Lethbridge City Council.

At the centre, plans by EHS to have the City ‘sign off’ on paying for the cost of its current integrated emergency medical service, which sees staff trained as both paramedics and firefighters.

In the past, the cost was covered by the Province, but if the City were to pay, it could add close to $4 million more to next year’s budget.

“I’ve been on the horn continually reaching out to the provincial government asking that they preserve our integrated service that’s been here for over a century,” said Mayor Blaine Hyggen Wednesday, a day after Council met to discuss next steps.