Lakelanders invited to have their say on the future of EMS

Lakelanders will have an opportunity to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the province through new public consultations.

EMS is a critical component of Alberta’s healthcare system, responding to 911 calls, providing emergency care to patients across the province, and handling transfers of patients needing medical care between hospitals and medical facilities.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is undertaking the creation of a long-term Provincial Service Plan for EMS. This service plan will reflect how EMS integrates into Alberta’s health system and provide the vision and direction for EMS in Alberta for the next five years. It will also set out a clear roadmap on how to get there. This plan is to be completed by September 30, 2022.

To do this, AHS needs to hear from the people they serve – Albertans.

“We’re asking for your involvement,” AHS stated. “In the first step of the process, we invite Albertans to provide feedback to assess the current state of EMS through our engagement website and a survey.”

The process includes:

First, please visit https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/ems-service-planning and sign up to subscribe to our project updates so you can take part in current and future EMS engagement opportunities.

Then, watch the 30-minute introductory video on Together4Health about the EMS Provincial Service Planning process. This video is optional, however it provides valuable background about EMS.

Finally, take the “Current State Survey” available on the website, which should only take about five to ten minutes.

“Let us know what you think is and isn’t working within EMS so we can build on its strengths and plan for improvements,” AHS said.

The survey will close April 8, 2022.

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to listen to your feedback as we develop a long-term strategic plan for EMS in Alberta,” AHS said. “Please share this opportunity with others so they may also offer their feedback and suggestions.”

AHS EMS and Alberta Health is looking forward to connecting with patients and families, frontline EMS staff, elected officials, Indigenous communities, contracted service partners, medical first responders, and other parts of the healthcare system now and over the coming months.

For more information about the EMS Service Plan, please visit https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/