(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Rural EMS funding

Sask. government to dedicate $11 million to improve rural emergency services

Apr 5, 2022 | 11:35 AM

The provincial government has announced a significant increase of funding for Saskatchewan emergency services, especially in rural and northern areas.

Multiple services areas will get a boost with the province dedicating $11 million of this years budget to building and maintaining paramedic fleets across Saskatchewan.

Over $7.3 million will go towards additional paramedics, ambulances and funding in 27 communities across the province, particularly in rural, remote and northern areas.

The new funding will add 70.7 full-time equivalent positions and will address critical priority areas in the communities of Beauval, Big River, Blaine Lake, Buffalo Narrows, Cut Knife, Humboldt, La Ronge, Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Melfort, Naicam, North Battleford, Rosetown, St. Walburg, and others communities in southern Saskatchewan.

Also part of this commitment is $653,000 dedicate to expanding community paramedicine in rural and northern communities with three additional full-time positions and training costs.

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The community paramedicine positions will be split as follows:

• One between Beauval and Buffalo Narrows;
• One among Wynyard, Wadena and Wakaw, and potentially other locations in the area; and
• One will be targeted to one or more First Nations communities.

Community paramedicine provides patients with increased access to mobile health services closer to home.

Also, $1.5 million will provide ongoing support for wage increases implemented in 2021 for paramedics working for contracted EMS services to help recruit and retain staff.

“Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) is pleased with the announcement in the provincial budget that lays the foundation in addressing the crucial needs of ambulance services and paramedics in the province,” PSCS president Steven Skoworodko said in a media release. “We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Health as well as the SHA of paramedics abilities and needs.”

Saskatchewan’s Medical First Responder Program will also receive $593,000 in annualized funding for recruitment of new members, add another 2.5 full-time positions, and maintain training levels and new equipment.

“We are very appreciative of the Government of Saskatchewan providing additional funding for Emergency Medical Services,” Saskatchewan Health Authority vice-president of Provincial Programs Corey Miller said. “This will help reduce wait times for patients and gaps in service in many rural areas. It also demonstrates a commitment to supporting patients and EMS staff.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

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