Albertans invited to have their say on the future of EMS

March 17, 2022

EDMONTON — Albertans have an opportunity to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the province through new public consultations.

EMS is a critical component of Alberta’s healthcare system, responding to 911 calls, providing emergency care to patients across the province, and handling transfers of patients needing medical care between hospitals and medical facilities.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is undertaking the creation of a long-term Provincial Service Plan for EMS. This service plan will reflect how EMS integrates into Alberta’s health system and provide the vision and direction for EMS in Alberta for the next five years. It will also set out a clear roadmap on how to get there. This plan is to be completed by September 30, 2022.

To do this, we need to hear from those we serve – Albertans. We’re asking for your involvement.

In the first step of the process, we invite Albertans to provide feedback to assess the current state of EMS through our engagement website and a survey:

  1. First, please visit https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/ems-service-planning and sign up to subscribe to our project updates so you can take part in current and future EMS engagement opportunities.
  2. Then, watch the 30-minute introductory video on Together4Health about the EMS Provincial Service Planning process. This video is optional, however it provides valuable background about EMS.
  3. Finally, take the “Current State Survey” available on the website, which should only take about five to 10 minutes. Let us know what you think is and isn’t working within EMS so we can build on its strengths and plan for improvements. The survey will close April 8, 2022.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to listen to your feedback as we develop a long-term strategic plan for EMS in Alberta. Please share this opportunity with others so they may also offer their feedback and suggestions.

AHS EMS and Alberta Health is looking forward to connecting with patients and families, frontline EMS staff, elected officials, Indigenous communities, contracted service partners, medical first responders, and other parts of the healthcare system now and over the coming months.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

For more information about the EMS Service Plan, please visit https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/.