New EMS station officially opens in Valleyview

VALLEYVIEW - The new Alberta Health Services (AHS) EMS facility in Valleyview marked its official grand opening today.

Located on grounds of the Valleyview Health Centre, the three-bay station is a state-of-the-art building designed to better accommodate local staff and ambulances, reflecting the growing and changing needs of the community.

The $4.1-million facility was completed in late 2023 and funded by the Government of Alberta's Infrastructure Maintenance Program.

"Alberta's EMS teams are on the front lines of care, often helping Albertans in a time of urgency and crisis," says Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.

"Today's opening of a new EMS station in Valleyview supports the important EMS professionals in the area and, by extension, residents of Valleyview and surrounding areas. Valleyview needed a new EMS station and our government has delivered, further improving healthcare services in the community."

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, and MLA for Central Peace-Notley, says the grand opening "shows our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare throughout our province. We know the community has been waiting for this EMS station. We want residents to know that we're listening to and addressing their concerns."

There are two ambulances stationed in Valleyview - one Advanced Life Support and one Basic Life Support - with 12 full-time equivalent (FTE) crew members to serve the community.

Comfortable and functional staff areas, including break rooms and sleep quarters, will support staff and help ensure they can deliver prompt, effective, high-quality emergency medical care in Valleyview and surrounding areas. EMS previously operated out of the Valleyview Fire Department facility.

"Everyone benefits from reliable and timely emergency medical services," says Martin Long, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. "They are especially crucial to those living, working or travelling in more remote rural regions."

"The new facility provides an essential hub for EMS crews to start and end their shifts, restock ambulances, and attend required training sessions, without drawing them away from the Valleyview area," adds Rob Barone, Associate Executive Director of the AHS North Zone.

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.