October 31, 2017
Local and provincial stakeholders gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Wabasca-Desmarais EMS Station on October 12.
Story by Erika Dart
WABASCA-DESMARAIS — A new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station is now open and operational here. Stakeholders from around the area braved icy, snowy roads to gather in the community on Oct. 12 to cut the ribbon on the ambulance bay and celebrate the new Alberta Health Services (AHS) station.
The $3.1 million, four-bay station enables EMS to deploy both of the town’s ambulances from one building. EMS staff began using it earlier this month.
The station, which was funded through the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program, was welcomed by everyone involved.
“The completion of this facility shows our commitment to providing high quality healthcare throughout our province,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health.
“The new station is something we know the community has been waiting a long time for. We are listening to their concerns as we work to make life better for families in Wabasca-Desmarais.”
Many Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff were on-site to join in the celebration.
“This new station is going to nicely streamline our EMS operations in Wabasca-Desmarais,” says Greg Cummings, AHS Chief Zone Officer, North Zone.
“Having EMS staff and their equipment closer together in a modern facility will meet the local and surrounding communities’ needs, now and in the future.”
Construction on the station began a year ago and was completed this fall, on schedule and on budget. The new facility will better support EMS staff so they can provide the best possible service in the community. As well, it offers modern, comfortable lodgings for EMS crews.
“Everyone benefits from reliable and timely emergency medical services but they are especially crucial to those living, working or travelling in more remote regions,” says Darren Sandbeck, AHS Senior Provincial Director and Chief Paramedic, EMS. “We’re glad that this new station is open; it’s an investment in our EMS teams and the service they provide.”
Space previously used by EMS personnel in the Wabasca-Desmarais Healthcare Centre is now being used to create permanent space for occupational therapy and physiotherapy services, as well as staff education and training opportunities.
