Alberta has lots of paramedics but a 'toxic work environment,' narrow view on health: report
CTV
There are more than twice as many paramedics per capita in Alberta than Quebec and Ontario so staffing is not what's causing a "crisis" in the system, according to a new report by the Parkland Institute.
There are more than twice as many paramedics per capita in Alberta than Quebec and Ontario so staffing is not what's causing a "crisis" in the system, according to a new report by the Parkland Institute.
Lights and Sirens: The Critical Condition of EMS in Alberta was released Tuesday morning by author and medical sociologist Michael K. Corman.
The report states that while most paramedics surveyed believe the system needs more staff and ambulances, federal data disputes that.
In 2020, Alberta had 201 paramedic providers per 100,000 people. Quebec had 66.5, Ontario had 64.3 and B.C. had 100.7, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
"Will more doctors, nurses and paramedics solve the problem? Absolutely not," Corman said.
"We must address the fundamental causes of why people are falling into the health-care system in the first place. And that requires a look at broader forces outside of healthcare, like the social determinants of health and addressing the root of the issues that lead to illness in our society."
Corman concluded that the system has many issues including an "erosion of key work processes" on top of a "lowering of standards and a toxic work environment that made providing good care nearly impossible."
