AHS EMS to receive ceremonial badge and flag today

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (AHS EMS) has been granted an official badge and ceremonial flag from the Chief Herald of Canada.

Grants of armorial bearings are awarded from the Governor General’s office on behalf of the Canadian Crown in recognition of service to Canadians.

Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority, will present the insignia — which will be worn on the shoulder patches of AHS EMS uniforms — and ceremonial flag during a ceremony today at Government House in Edmonton.

“This is certainly an honour and a wonderful way to unify AHS EMS personnel across the province,” said Sue Conroy, Senior Vice President of AHS EMS. “The recognition of their dedication to their important work is well deserved.”

The process to have the insignia created began more than two years ago.

“A lot of thought goes into the development of each armorial bearing,” said Blaine Barody, EMS Senior Staff Development Officer, who worked on the original concept for AHS EMS.

“In this instance, we wanted the insignia to represent both Alberta and the life-saving work that Emergency Medical Services performs. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

AHS EMS dispatch receives about 400,000 ground ambulance calls each year. About 70 per cent of these calls are 911 calls. The remaining 30 per cent are for patient transfers from one health care facility to another. There are about 2,400 AHS EMS practitioners.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 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.

• News release

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