BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), which oversees the BC Ambulance Service, has issued a statement about the ambulance station staffing in Ashcroft.
The statement comes after two highly-publicized incidents in July and August where Ashcroft residents found in cardiac distress had to wait half-an-hour before an ambulance arrived. In both cases, Ashcroft Fire Rescue was asked to attend while the ambulances were en route.
The statement notes that until October 2021, Ashcroft had two ambulances at the station, which were staffed by one full-time paramedic and casual on-call paramedics who were recruited from Ashcroft and the surrounding area. These paramedics covered shifts on the two ambulances 24/7, supported by the one full-time paramedic unit chief.
In November 2021, BCEHS expanded the full-time ambulance staffing across the province. As a result, the Ashcroft station was increased to nine full-time positions.
“I am very encouraged by the commitment of our senior leadership and the Ministry of Health in making significant changes to our staffing model that has created a more sustainable career path for paramedics in rural and remote communities,” says BCEHS Clinical Operations District Manager Brian Silvester.
“Although we are currently facing some staffing challenges through this period of transition, the end result will be a stronger and more robust workforce in rural communities across the province. We are eager to hire local community members who are interested in pursuing a dynamic career as a paramedic.”
