The Alberta College of Paramedics responds to recent media reports questioning EMS resources and response times. The College president says compromised working conditions prevent paramedics from providing excellent patient care. While recognizing budget constraints, the College agrees more must be done to address issues affecting EMS and reduce hallway waits. The mandate of the College is to ensure public safety and that paramedics are able to practice at their full potential to benefit patients.

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collegeofparamedics.org
April 6, 2018
For Immediate Release
Sherwood Park, Alberta – Alberta College of Paramedics responds to recent news regarding EMS
resources, response times and hallway waits.
“Recent information in the media calls into question the support and resources the ground ambulance
services provide to paramedics. When regulated members work under compromised working
conditions, it prevents them from serving patients to their fullest capabilities. This can present
challenges in the delivery of excellent patient care” said Pete Helfrich, President, Alberta College of
Paramedics (College).
The College believes that in supporting regulated members, and making sure they have the education,
training and ongoing support; as well as the resources and support in the workplace that they need to
practice safely and competently, Albertans can receive the best care possible.
“Of course, we recognize the diversity and difficulty that employers and stakeholders face in our
challenged healthcare environment. Limited budgets, fewer practitioners and more demands from
society place added strains on all elements of the system including all healthcare providers. However,
despite the complexity of the issues, the College agrees that more must be done to address the issues of
EMS resources, response times and hallway waits in the interest of service to all Albertans,” said
Helfrich.
The mandate of the College is to work in the interest of public safety. The College supports all regulated
members of the paramedic profession in their goal of practice excellence and is committed to working
with stakeholders wherever possible to ensure all emergency medical responders, primary care
paramedics and advanced care paramedics are able to excel at their profession.
“Patients benefit when the paramedic profession is able to practice to its fullest ability,” said Helfrich.
The Alberta College of Paramedics regulates more than
8,400 paramedic professionals in Alberta
under the Health Professions Act.
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Media Contact:
Tanisha Tetz, Interim Executive Director/Strategic Communications Director
780.916.2150 / Tanisha.Tetz@collegeofparamedics.org