City firefighters may see initial medical care added to duties
By Collin Gallant on February 27, 2017.
A proposal that would see local firefighters provide initial medical care in some certain emergency situations will be presented to the city’s public services committee today. Medicine Hat firefighters haven’t provided medical response for about 15 years, when the provincial government took over complete responsibility for ambulance services. The practice remained in some Alberta fire services which are contracted under Alberta Health Services. Last month a report to Medicine Hat officials comparing fire service across the province and showed such arrangements help defray staffing costs. Administrators said at that time they were exploring options to augment their response protocols, but it was unclear whether any new funding was available. Of three mid-sized fire departments that provide care, Red Deer and Lethbridge receive AHS funding, while Airdrie does not. 7-6
