The union representing paramedics in B.C. has raised grave concerns about low-staffing levels in ambulances across the province.
Ambulance Paramedics of BC officials said not a single ambulance was staffed in Maple Ridge on Saturday and multiple areas throughout the province weren’t faring much better.
In parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, up to 40 per cent of ambulances are parked, according to the union.
“Burnout and mental health challenges” among paramedics are contributing to low staff levels, while another issue is pay, which the union describes as uncompetitive compared to other emergency services.
”At the end of the day, what happens is if you call 911 and there might not be an ambulance coming to you in your time of need,” said Ian Tait, Ambulance Paramedics of BC’s communication director.
