First district EMS station opens in south Calgary

Alberta’s largest EMS base expected to improve ambulance turnaround times

CALGARY – Alberta Health Services’ first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) district station is now fully operational in south Calgary.

The 3,400-square-metre Southgate District Station, at 15100 Macleod Tr. S., is the largest ambulance station in Alberta and the first of its type, bringing together most EMS crews serving south Calgary under one roof.

The base improves the efficiency and co-ordination of EMS resources, which allows vehicles to return to the road more quickly to respond to calls.

Currently, EMS crews are assigned to a specific ambulance, which could be located anywhere within Calgary at the end of a shift.

The ambulance must return to a specific location to switch over to the next crew.

Under the district base model, paramedic crews are paired with the next available vehicle that returns to the base, getting them on the road more quickly to respond to calls.

“This new superstation puts fresh EMS crews into an ambulance and out on the road faster. That means patients are getting better access to emergency medical care,” says Minister of Health Fred Horne. “This is a sophisticated facility designed with improved patient care in mind, and allows for ongoing expansion as the city continues to grow. This is an exciting development for EMS in Calgary, and Alberta.”

Features of the base include:

• 41 ambulance bays, leaving room for future expansion.
• A briefing room to keep crews up-to-date on any health or operational issues before starting their shift.
• A dedicated area for outfitting ambulances with the latest equipment, or commissioning new vehicles.
• Full on-site medical equipment, uniform and radio supply rooms, ensuring all staff are fully stocked at all times.
• Training facilities for keeping staff up-to-date on medical, IT and operational training.

“This district station was designed with patient care and staff morale in mind. Staff will begin their shift fully equipped, fully briefed and be able to provide patient care faster, while crews ending their shift don’t have to stay on any longer than necessary,” says Brenda Huband, Vice President & Chief Health Operations Officer, Central & Southern Alberta.

“Alberta Health Services is proud to be able to open this facility for the residents of Calgary and surrounding communities.”

If the district station model is successful, AHS will look to implement it elsewhere in Calgary and, potentially, across the province.

No additional funding was needed. The 10-year, $11-million lease agreement for the Southgate EMS District Station is being funded through the Calgary Zone’s existing operating budget. AHS is no longer leasing space for EMS crews and vehicles at two south Calgary fire stations.

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.

• News release

- 30 -