Close X
Friday, November 15, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. shifts ambulance staffing for rural communities in bid to boost emergency care

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Nov, 2023 04:05 PM
  • B.C. shifts ambulance staffing for rural communities in bid to boost emergency care

British Columbia is shifting its ambulance paramedics staffing model for 60 rural and remote communities in what Health Minister Adrian Dix says is an "unprecedented" investment in emergency health care.

Dix says three new staffing models for paramedics would increase the number of on-duty ambulance workers during nights and other off-peak times.

The shift will add 261 new full-time paramedic positions and part-time workers whose combined hours will equal 238 full-time workers for three separate models that will give flexibility for ambulance needs in each community. 

Dix says the changes come after consultations with the province's paramedics union, community leaders, First Nations and health-care professionals. 

BC Emergency Health Services chief ambulance officer Leanne Heppell says the flexibility is needed because "one model just doesn't work that well across the province," given the differences in the communities' population, demographics and overall demand.

Dix says B.C. needs more community paramedics and ambulance workers, and he urged those interested in the work to reach out while the province hires staff to fill the demand. 

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Delayed by plane troubles, Canada's PM Trudeau finally heading home from India

Delayed by plane troubles, Canada's PM Trudeau finally heading home from India
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally left India on Tuesday after technical issues with a government aircraft delayed his departure by two days. Trudeau and the Canadian delegation that attended the G20 leaders' summit in New Delhi was set to depart for Ottawa on Sunday, but the plane was grounded over an issue discovered during pre-flight checks.

Delayed by plane troubles, Canada's PM Trudeau finally heading home from India

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.
A British Columbia high school teacher has been charged with multiple sexual offences against two students, as well as harassment and extortion. Mounties say a teacher from Kootenay River Secondary School in Creston was charged on Sept. 8 and has been released with numerous conditions, including a ban on contact with the alleged victims.   

Teacher in Creston charged with multiple sex offences against two students.

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's government is accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of damaging relations with India and keeping the provinces in the dark about trade talks. In a letter Moe released Monday, Saskatchewan Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison argued Trudeau is picking a fight with India for domestic political gain and risking access to one of his province's most important export markets.  

Sask. premier accuses Trudeau of risking trade with India, hiding status of talks

Collision involving police cruiser

Collision involving police cruiser
Two Vancouver Police officers and a driver were sent to hospital this morning after a collision between an unmarked police car and a private vehicle. Police say on the social media site X that all three had non-life-threatening injuries.

Collision involving police cruiser

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition
A Surrey councillor says it's time the city's mayor and supporters "get past" their opposition to the Surrey Police Service and lead Surrey and its police board toward a transition away from the R-C-M-P. Mayor Brenda Locke opposes the switch to a municipal force but councillor Linda Annis says "that ship has sailed," and urges Locke to work quickly on the hand over.

Surrey councillor says to move past back and forth on Surrey police transition

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote
A statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs says Modi told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 summit in New Delhi that progress in the two countries' relationship requires "mutual respect and trust."  

Indian PM, in meeting with Trudeau, rebukes Canada on Sikh independence vote