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Province hoping to speed up ambulance responses

The Government of British Columbia is pumping more funding into emergency health services in hopes of speeding up the time it takes for ambulances in the province to respond.

<who> Photo Credit: KelownaNow.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health announced they would be adding $91.4 million in funding over the next three years to this initiative.

They will also provide $4 million in immediate additional funding for necessary equipment, including carbon monoxide monitors, stretchers, safety kits and visibility gear.

"British Columbians in emergencies rely on the skills provided by paramedics, dispatchers and other staff with BC Emergency Health Services," said Health Minister Terry Lake. "Today's funding supports their front-line efforts, increasing capacity in both urban and rural areas through a combination of innovations and new resources that allows us to develop a more comprehensive approach to enhancing emergency care throughout B.C."

They will focus on improving emergency response in rural and urban regions with more ambulances, paramedics and dispatchers.

BCEHS will add six additional ambulances, to be stationed in the Lower Mainland, along with additional resources in the Interior.

An additional 80 staff will be added over the next year, including 60 paramedics and 20 dispatch staff.

Some single-paramedic SUVs to address the current opioid overdose crisis may also be added.



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