Ambulance drivers are going to have to watch their speed.
As of last week, new rules are in effect requiring EMS vehicles to go no faster than 15 km/h over the speed limit. Prior to the new ruling, they could go 25 per cent over the posted limit in an emergency.
The change has been criticized by some paramedics, but Alberta Health Services maintains the change will not put patients at risk or increase response times. The health authority adds that ambulances rarely speed and only do so when safe.
The new policy brings Alberta’s standards in line with other jurisdictions in Canada.