Air ambulance service update

Plane remains stationed at Peace River Airport

PEACE RIVER – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed that Peace River residents will continue to have access to high quality air ambulance service based at the Peace River Airport.

Beginning April 1, 2018, AHS’ contract provider, CanWest Aviation, will base one 24-hour emergency air ambulance in Peace River. When not in use, this plane will be stationed on the tarmac. A second plane, used for scheduled air ambulance service to northern Albertan communities, will be based out of Grande Prairie. These arrangements are both temporary as CanWest continues to work with the Town on having a hangar at the Peace River Airport. AHS met with the Town of Peace River today and discussed this next step.

“We have taken every step possible to ensure those who depend on this important service continue to receive high quality care,” said AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. “We are pleased to have a temporary solution in place as discussions continue between the Town and CanWest.”
 
Both planes that will service Peace River are brand new and directly benefit patient care through improved flight safety and quality enhancements.

“We are excited to bring these new resources to Peace River and the surrounding area to better support patient care and safety to Albertans,” said Yiu.

These two aircraft are part of a provincial fleet that offers:

• Modern avionics technology, such as communications, navigation and improved proximity warning devices, to enhance flight and patient safety.
• Improved speed, comfort and reliability.
• Updated and standardized medical interiors creating a better workspace for air medical crews to provide care to patients. Standardized interiors provide improved patient care because the standardization ensures crews are familiar with the medical layout regardless of what aircraft they are flying in.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

- 30 -