Calgary’s mayor says EMS dispatch system is to blame for fatality in dog attack

Mayor Jyoti Gondek is calling for an immediate reversal of the province’s EMS dispatch system, in the wake of a tragedy that took the life of an 86-year-old woman.

Gondek says the provincial government needs to reverse its decision to consolidate provincial emergency services to Alberta Health Services. She calls the switch a bad decision that has led to devastating outcomes.

“Council remains steadfast in its call for a return to the localized tri-service dispatch model which demonstrated an ability to respond to complex emergencies,” said Gondek.

“And as our world is becoming increasingly uncertain and complex, it is critical we have the capacity and capability to respond quickly, effectively, and collectively,” said Gondek.

Gondek says the current system is broken and needs to return to the previous system, which she says was world-class.

The chair of the board of governors for Calgary 911, Steve Dongworth, says in addition to an external provincial review, they will also be looking into the situation.

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Read More:

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• Northwest Calgary deadly dog attack was initially deemed ‘non-life-threatening’: AHS

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“As part of our own due diligence, we will be conducting a thorough investigation and review regarding this incident,” said Dongworth.

“We welcome the recent announcement from the province of Alberta that there will be an independent review of this incident and we’re committed to supporting that process to our fullest ability,” said Dongworth.

As the investigation is currently ongoing, no recordings or transcripts of the 911 call will be released.