Islanders being put at risk because of advanced care paramedic shortages, says Opposition
CBC
Islanders' lives are being put at risk because of the lack of staffing on P.E.I. ambulances, says the Opposition Green Party.
In the P.E.I. Legislature Wednesday, Green MLA Michele Beaton raised concerns about ambulances going on calls without an advanced care paramedic on board.
Section 3.7 of the contract Island EMS has with the province says "Island EMS shall … ensure each ambulance responding to calls in the service area will have training and equipment to deliver a full ALS [advanced life support] system."
"This means at least one advanced care paramedic in every ambulance," said Beaton.
"This is not happening."
But Health Minister Ernie Hudson said he wasn't aware of that section of the contract.
Beaton pushed the government on why it continues to renew its contract with Island EMS if it is not meeting its contract.
That contract is set to be renewed within days, something that happens annually.
Beaton shared a story of a family that called 911 because a loved one was having a seizure. She said the ambulance arrived without an advanced care paramedic on board so the patient had to be transported to hospital for treatment.
"They need an advanced care paramedic to administer the medication that will stop the seizures," said Beaton. "They have no option but to load up the patient and drive to the closest hospital hoping for the best, knowing how critical that time is.
"The contract calls for advanced life supports, because it saves Islanders' lives. Why are you intent on auto-renewing a contract with a private company that is putting Islanders lives at risk?"
Hudson agreed that improvements are necessary, adding the province plans to hire 13 additional paramedics — but he took issue with the Opposition's statement the service is putting Islanders' lives at risk.
"I think it's a pretty broad statement that this company is putting Islanders' lives at risk," said Hudson.
"I agree 100 per cent with the questions that have been brought forward, the concerns that I've heard from all areas, and from all members of this legislature. Yes there needs to be service improvements."
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