Local ambulance services transition to AHS in February

CLARESHOLM - Area residents will continue to receive the same high level of ambulance service when Alberta Health Services (AHS) assumes direct delivery of provision of emergency medical services (EMS) for Claresholm, Granum, Stavely and the MD of Willow Creek, effective Feb. 1.

Current provider Chinook Emergency Services Ltd. had been contracted by AHS to provide ambulance services. Earlier this year, owner Chris Moore expressed his wish to retire and to divest the service. Chinook Emergency Services has been providing EMS services for the area since 1981.

“There will be no disruption of service and I don’t believe citizens will even notice the difference as ambulances will be staffed with the same faces they know and trust,” says Moore.

Nicholas Thain, AHS Director of Suburban/Rural Operations for EMS, says AHS has been working closely with Moore to ensure the transition is seamless and is committed to maintaining the same level of service currently offered. Staffing and ambulance numbers will remain the same under AHS.

“We’d like to thank Mr. Moore for his years of service to these communities,” says Thain. “We look forward to working with the dedicated staff and continuing the tradition of quality emergency medical services in and around Claresholm.”

Chinook Emergency Services employs 11 people to staff two ambulances that serve a local population of about 10,000 people as well as several AHS health facilities, including the Claresholm General Hospital, Claresholm Centre for Mental Health & Addictions and Willow Creek Continuing Care. Area ambulances respond to about 1,200 calls annually.

Moore says AHS is inheriting a talented and dedicated group of emergency responders.

“Some of our staff has worked in Claresholm for the past 30 years,” he says. “They are an important part of our community, raising families and helping out whenever asked to do so. I feel honored to have worked with so many dedicated health workers over the past 30 years. They’ve made our corner of Alberta a great place to call home.”

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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