Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services has terminated the contract of WPD Ambulance to supply service to the Alberta side of Lloydminster.
In an email to MyLloydminsterNow, Alberta Health Services says AHS EMS took the action on August 20, citing that WPD Ambulance has been unable to meet the service needs of the area and has at times been unable to staff three full-time ambulances.
AHS EMS says this placed a strain on neighboring resources which were used to fill the gaps. Prairie Medical Services has been contracted and is already serving residents on the Alberta side of the Border City.
Chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council, Paul Richer says there is partnership on both sides to meet the EMS needs of residents.
“I just spoke with Saskatchewan Health Services that look after the trust of ambulance services and they are certainly in communication. So there is cooperation of the service that we are getting in Lloydminster right now. It’s not like one side isn’t getting any service. I’ve seen Alberta Ambulances in Lloydminster.”
AHS says they have added an additional ambulance since August 3rd to deal with the coverage gaps and Lloydminster is now staffed with an AHS EMS supervisor during daytime hours to assist with oversight and ambulance coverage.
AHS adds they continue to work with SHA and are in direct contact with EMS dispatch in Saskatoon.
Richer notes there is agreement between the health authorities on both sides of the Border. He still feels the city could have greater service.
“I believe there might be a reciprocating agreement on if there is shortages on either side, the same number of contracted ambulances would be available in the community. With that said though, I feel as an advocate of this community, even the contracted number of ambulances is low.”
Richer thinks this needs to be reviewed and possibly one more ambulance and EMS crew could be added.