Ambulances not staffed in Lower Mainland
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Updated: November 13, 2009 7:32 PM
BC Ambulance service issued the following statement at 7:30 p.m. Friday:
The BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is advising members of the public that ambulance service to low acuity calls, such as calls for flu-like symptoms, minor injuries such as sprains, sore throat, etc., will likely be delayed tonight due to significant staffing shortages in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Life threatening emergency calls will continue to be responded to on a priority basis, however low acuity calls and inter-facility patient transfers will likely be delayed.
BCAS is currently faced with significant staffing challenges in the Lower Mainland due to staff booking off previously filled shifts on short notice. In spite of the end of the paramedic strike, multiple staff booked off their previously scheduled shifts at or immediately prior to the shift start time.
During the Nov. 13 night shift, there are five ambulances out of service in the GVRD, four ambulance out of service in the Sea-to-Sky corridor and 13 ambulances out of service in the Fraser Valley. In the Sea-to-Sky region, this is a 50% reduction in ambulance coverage. In the Fraser valley, this is an 87% reduction in ambulance coverage.
BCAS is moving ambulances from the Interior and re-assigning ambulances throughout the Lower Mainland. In addition, a physician is working with BCAS’ Emergency Medical Dispatchers to ensure appropriate triaging and prioritizing of patients.
In order to ensure that seriously ill and injured patients continue to get as fast a response as possible, BCAS is urging those people whose call is not an emergency to consider other healthcare options rather than dialing 9-1-1 for an ambulance. These options include:
•calling HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse or other health professional such as a dietician or pharmacist;
•attending a local walk-in centre;
•visiting your family doctor; and
•making your own way to your local emergency department - arriving in an ambulance does not mean you will be seen more quickly.
For obvious emergencies, continue to call 9-1-1. If you're not sure whether you need an ambulance, please call 8-1-1 first.
