Patient safety is at the core of every decision we make. This includes our approach to dispatching of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across Alberta.

That’s why Alberta Health Services (AHS) is implementing a consolidated model for EMS dispatch to ensure all patients have access to the closest ambulance in an emergency. Under the consolidated provincial dispatch system, AHS will dispatch EMS services from three centres; Peace River, Edmonton and Calgary.

It is important to note 911 callers in need of an ambulance will notice absolutely no change.  EMS emergency calls would go to the nearest dispatch centre; every dispatcher would be able to see the location of every ambulance in the province, and assign the closest available unit, regardless of current municipal or geographic boundaries.

A province-wide EMS dispatch system is more efficient and allows better co-ordination of all resources, allowing EMS to send the nearest available ambulance to a patient regardless of any geographic boundaries.  A provincially integrated system also allows for improved oversight of quality, standards and data, as well as the coordination of inter-facility transfer services for the entire province.

Learn more by reviewing FAQ: One EMS Dispatch System: Borderless System.

The collaborative model means better service for all Albertans. Benefits include:

• The closest available ambulance can respond in every emergency.
• Status and location of ambulances are available in real time to all dispatch centres.
• AHS provides common technology and training for every dispatch centre, allowing centres to operate under one system.
• Immediate data capture by AHS to ensure consistent reporting across the province.
• Additional backup protection in case one dispatch centre experiences increased workload, or a service outage.
• Performance meets accreditation standards.
• Ongoing training in emergency medical dispatch.