In the years since COVID there has been a new problem that has been repeatedly plaguing the EMS system, vacant Ambulances. There has been no shortage of ways to explain this phenomenon away, and this is not where that idea can be fully discussed or understood; however, what can be said for certain is that this is reaping havoc on EMS coverage in Rural municipalities bordering metro environments.
In communities south of Calgary the data indicated that in 2023:
Claresholm's 24 hour Ambulance was shut down 33 times.
Claresholm's peak Ambulance was shut down 27 times.
Diamond Valley's Ambulance was shut down 21 times.
High Rivers Ambulance was shut down 42 times.
Nanton's Ambulance was shut down 25 times.
Okotoks's first Ambulance was shut down 38 times.
Okotoks's second Ambulance was shut down 57 times.
Priddis's Ambulance was shut down 70 times.
Vulcan's Ambulance was shut down 23 times.
This data can be viewed on the AHS FOIP site, go to https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/about/Page8169.aspx create an account and search for the FOIP request 2023-G-358. There is a clear problem with these statistics though, and that is when an Ambulance is unable to be staffed where will EMS resources come from?
To make matters worse is Alberta Health Services flippant attitude towards this issue, there is a public face to their attitude, and a private face. New Years 2023 the Calgary Herald, and later CTV reported on Ambulance vacancies over the holidays, those stories listed here respectively:
In both stories there is a noted issue of a large discrepancy in the amount of Ambulances that are scheduled, and the number of vacancies that exist on the schedule, with the Heralds article noting that the number had only grown with time. When AHS responded they said:
"In a statement to Postmedia, AHS said shift vacancies can fluctuate rapidly as staff pick up shifts, and it is expected that vacancies decline leading up to a shift starting.
The agency said vacancies are continually assessed in real time and reported twice daily, calling the screenshots sent to Postmedia a “snapshot” that can change quickly as shifts are filled.
“Unfilled shifts are available for overtime, and EMS is also working on sustainable support programs to help keep staff at work and make sure injured workers can come back as soon as reasonably possible,” AHS’ email read."
This was their public face. Privately their flippant handling of this matter appeared as such:
and
They had the opportunity to provide an honest update to the public to which they serve but instead choose to obfuscate and conceal it.
It might occur to you was this a one off? The answer is probably no, it could likely be assumed that this is endemic to all major holidays and events, but with information on the matter presently limited it cannot be commented on any further than that without hard evidence to support such a claim.
What can be said conclusively though, there is a staffing problem within Alberta Health Services and management isn't talking, while paramedics are leaving.
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