Alberta funding expansion of medical first responder programs

The Alberta government has announced a funding boost to expand the medical first responder (MFR) programs operating out of fire departments across the province.

Health minister Adriana LaGrange says more than 200 agencies will be splitting $3.75 million more than they were last year.

“$1.35 million is to now include medium and large agencies and the $2.5 million is actually a dedicated funding pool to make sure they have the dollars they need to run the operations they have,” she said.

The province says the funds should help stabilize some of the pressures facing first responders.

“MFR responders are important partners that co-respond with EMS to many 911 emergencies across the province, providing on-scene support prior to EMS arrival and working as a team once paramedics arrive,” Marty Scott with Alberta Health Service (AHS) said. “They are key in the chain of survival and a valued partner by all paramedics.”

Most of the funding will be directed to equipment and training.