Calgary mayor upset with consolidation EMS plans
Posted Aug 5, 2020 6:51 pm.
Last Updated Aug 5, 2020 6:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — A day after the province announced that they would be consolidating all EMS dispatch services over the next six months to save money and improve patient care, four mayors are sounding off on it.
The province says the change will save about $6 million a year.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is among those not happy with the decision.
“There is no money to be saved, it’s worse service, and it puts people’s lives at risk,” said Nenshi.
“This is a terrible idea. It was done without consultation; it was done without discussion.
The average time for emergency services to be dispatched is 41 seconds, but that could now go up to 180 seconds, according to Nenshi.”When you’re phoning 911, something extremely bad is happening, and the system we have right now allows you to get the assistance you need quickly and efficiently.
“The system that is being proposed requires you to tell your story again and again and maybe again”, added Nenshi.
EMS 911 dispatch services will be affected in Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, and the municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes Fort McMurray.
The group of mayors is calling on Health Minister Tyler Shandro and Premier Jason Kenney to get rid of the plan and leave the decision up to the municipalities.
