Ambulance service in Drumheller has officially changed hands.
As of March 1, the Badlands Ambulance Society handed over the keys to emergency medical services to Alberta Health Services.
“The transition went very smoothly, with Alberta Health Services and Badlands EMS working very closely,” said Councillor Doug Stanford, co-chair of the Badlands Ambulance board.
Two ambulances have been confirmed for the Drumheller area. One will be an advanced life support vehicle and the other will provide basic life support. Alberta Health Services has stated both will operated around the clock throughout the year.
The transition also brought some new equipment to Drumheller that Badlands Ambulance was not able to afford.
“Alberta Health Services brought in two brand new ambulances and equipped them with M800 phones and two-way radios. They were also set up with mapping and other supplies,” said Stanford. “These were things we tried to get before, but couldn’t afford.”
To bring them in line with Alberta Health Services, Drumheller ambulance staff were given an intensive five day orientation.
With the transition, the fate of the Badlands Ambulance board was also decided. The board will continue to function until April to tie up any loose ends. Afterwards, the board will be dissolved.
The decision to hand over control of ambulance service in Drumheller was first reported in the October 5 edition of inSide Drumheller after an emergency meeting of the Badlands Ambulance Society. It was stated budgetary restrictions was the main factor contributing to the decision.
Throughout the whole process, Stanford feels the residents of the Drumheller area come first.
“The residents of Drumheller and surrounding area are being well taken care of by Alberta Services,” said Stanford.
