While ambulance response times in British Columbia have been missing their targets in urban areas, the Auditor General says there have been improvements made recently.
Carol Bellringer’s audit used data from April 2016 to December 2017, and she notes officials have put in a new response system with some moderate improvements.
“They’re also looking for additional alternatives that occurred after our audit including things like trying to deliver some of the services over the phone rather than transporting people to the hospital,” Bellringer said.
“They’re also looking to provide that service in their homes itself or in a different kind of care facility.”
In urban areas, ambulances made their targets about 50 per cent of the time, compared to rural response times where they either met or exceeded their targets.
A part of the reason, however, is the targets themselves – 9 minutes for urban areas, while in the rural areas it’s between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the distances.
The Ambulance Paramedics of BC say they’re reviewing Bellringer’s recommendations, but in a statement, they agree there are improvements that need to be made province-wide.
“We agree with the Auditor General that emergency health services in BC can be improved and are working with BCEHS and the Provincial Government,” said APBC President, Cameron Eby.
“We are currently at the bargaining table where we are seeking to make improvements that meet the service delivery and patient care needs in all communities.”
Bellringer’s report also calls for better co-ordination between ambulance services and fire departments, which often dispatch firefighters to emergency calls.
