Calgary-area paramedic death spurs questions on ambulance availability

An Alberta Health Services paramedic died unexpectedly in Airdrie, Alta., just north of Calgary, on Saturday.

The man — who has not yet been publicly identified — worked with AHS for about 12 years, and was "a dedicated professional, and a friend loved by peers, community, and family," according to a statement from the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA). The union has yet to release any additional details.

"During this very difficult time I encourage all health-care professionals to take a moment for yourself to reflect and to check in with colleagues," said Mike Parker, president of the HSAA, in a statement.

The advocacy group — Alberta EMS Advisory and Advocacy Coalition — wrote in a social media post Saturday that it had received reports that the man was on duty at the time of his death, adding that no ambulances were available in the community at the time.

In response to that post, Alberta Health Services said a shortage of resources was not a factor in the care and treatment provided.

Matt Osbourne, spokesperson for the Calgary Firefighters Association, said details were still emerging in this specific case.

"When it hits close to home, and it's one of our own, it's very hard and it's very tragic," he said. "It's early. We're just focusing on supporting each other, and supporting family."

Earlier this month, there were at least 31 "code reds" or "red alerts" in Alberta — meaning no ambulance was available to respond to calls for help, according to the HSAA.

The weekend of Dec. 12, there were at least 54.

"We have an EMS system right now that's stretched beyond the breaking point," Osbourne said.

"Municipal firefighters responded to that scene and did everything they could as they waited for ambulance to transport to hospital."

The HSAA also tracks EMS alerts on social media. According to the union, a red alert was posted in Airdrie just after 8 a.m. Saturday.