More paramedics, ambulances approved by region as call volumes grow
Three 12-hour ambulances and 1 emergency response unit expected to be operational this fall
Regional councillors have approved new ambulances to address a growing need in the community.
On Wednesday night during a council meeting, three 12-hour ambulances, one emergency response unit and the staff needed to operate the vehicles were approved. It's expected the units will be operational in October.
As well, another eight ambulances will be added in 2023 and up to 10 more in 2024.
During a June 7 committee services meeting, paramedic services chief Stephen Van Valkenburg said 2021 saw a 10 per cent increase in call volumes over 2020 and calls "continue to grow at a rapid pace" this year.
He noted even with three new 12-hour ambulance shifts added in July 2021 and the two new 12-hour ambulance shifts to be added next month, paramedics still anticipate struggling to keep up with demand.
He told councillors while the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in higher call volumes, the region is also seeing population growth and aging residents, which is a big part of the reason calls for ambulances are up.