New AHS, Municipal agreement cements delivery of emergency medical services

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo have signed a new five-year agreement to continue delivering emergency medical services (EMS) in the region.

This contract ensures full cost recovery for the RMWB, as well as the continuity of a critical service for the community. It supports a core EMS offering of four fully staffed ambulances available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The contract replaces an interim agreement that expired on March 31, 2024 and is an important step toward ensuring the sustainability of local emergency services from trained, local service providers.

The integrated model, delivering a high level of service from EMS and fire response from dual trained staff, has been used in the Region for the last four decades.

Negotiations for return of EMS dispatch continuing

While emergency medical dispatch services were not included as part of the agreement, positive negotiations continue between the municipality and AHS. Teams are currently preparing for the transition of EMS Dispatch back to our local, 911 Emergency Communications Centre and dispatch team.

Agreement applauded by Mayor and Regional Fire Chief

"We are tremendously proud and appreciative of our dedicated emergency responders, and everyone working with and supporting Regional Emergency Services at the Municipality. This is a positive step in the right direction, and it secures an important relationship and service that is essential for all of us, said Mayor Sandy Bowman.

"Thank you to my Council colleagues for being united and standing behind RES and our emergency responders as an agreement was reached with AHS. This step also demonstrates an approach from the Government of Alberta that recognizes the uniqueness and importance of our region, and the excellence of our integrated, regional emergency response system."

Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz said "This new agreement reflects a partnership with Alberta Health Services that provides a sustainable future in delivering a critical service to the region. Our emergency teams are the heart of our service and care deeply about their communities and this re-affirms our commitment to delivering high-quality care to the RMWB."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.