May 27, 2016
Lee Crest supportive living resident Matthew Wells, 63, catches a ride in a non-ambulatory wheelchair accessible van to get to his medical appointments — which helps free up ambulances for emergency calls. Here, Wells poses for a photo with his caregiver, LPN Sherri Hakkarainen.
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Kim Earl
CARDSTON — Catching a ride to his medical appointments has never been easier for Matthew Wells thanks to a new wheelchair-accessible, non-ambulance transfer (NAT) van jointly purchased by the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation, Fort Macleod & District Health Foundation and the Windy Slopes Health Foundation.
“The van is comfortable and the van is easy to get on and off with my wheelchair,” says the 63-year-old, who’s been a resident at Lee Crest supportive living here for more than three years.
Each foundation contributed $20,000 towards the $60,000 total cost of the new van, which went into operation this month, replacing a non-wheelchair accessible van.
This specially equipped minivan transports patients between health care facilities for specialist consults, diagnostics and procedures, where previously, ground ambulance would be used for these scheduled, low-risk transfers.
Wells uses the NAT van regularly to attend his medical appointments at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, a 160-kilometre round trip from his home in Cardston.
In a wheelchair after a fall shattered his left knee in 2008 — and a subsequent broken right ankle in December 2014 resulted in his leg being amputated at the shin — Wells says he’s happy with the accessibility and ease of using the new van.
“My son and daughter both live out of town, so it’s convenient to have transportation to my appointments,” he says. “I don’t need an ambulance so this is perfect for me.”
NAT vans are staffed by emergency medical responders and equipped with automated electronic defibrillators, first-aid kits as well as sophisticated GPS and communications equipment. The vans can accommodate up to four seated passengers, or two passengers in wheelchairs.
Wells’ caregiver at Lee Crest, licensed practical nurse Sherri Hakkarainen, says she’s pleased to have the NAT van service for her residents and patients.
“It’s comforting to know our residents are not only getting to and from their appointments safely,” she says, “but there is a level of care appropriate to their needs should they require it.”
The new NAT van is expected to make as many as 480 trips annually — about 20 per cent of all ground ambulance calls in the western area of the South Zone.
Tony Pasich, Director of EMS for AHS South Zone, says: “For patients who are medically stable, capable of sitting in a seat, and don’t require oxygen or an IV, NAT vans are a safe and comfortable way for them to get to their destination.”
“The NAT vans provide an appropriate level of care and service for thousands of patients every year,” he adds. “They also keep fully equipped ambulances and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews available in the community for patients who need a higher level of care.”
Donna Schauerte, Chair of the Windy Slopes Health Foundation, speaking on behalf of the trio of foundations, said the foundations were happy to fund this vital transportation service for their area and agree that joint funding makes sense given the close approximation of their communities.
“We are fortunate to have ongoing community support for our health care and patients,” says Schauerte. “This is a crucial service, not only in freeing up ambulances for priority trips, but helping our patients who might not have family or alternative transportation to medical appointments,” she adds. “Our communities in each area are outstanding in contributing to our health care.”
For more information, please visit ahs.ca/give to find your foundation.
