The Cariboo will both be getting more paramedics.
The addition of 4 full-time paramedic positions in Williams Lake, and 6 full-time positions in 100 Mile House will mean both stations will have a total of 8 in each community according to BC Emergency Health Services that made the announcement Monday.
“BCEHS is focusing its efforts on areas of the province where enhanced paramedic services are needed the most,” said Linda Lupini, Executive Vice President of BCEHS in a release.
“Paramedic services are increasingly needed, as part of an integrated health care system in BC.”
Williams Lake and 100 Mile House are among communities identified as top priorities in the ongoing review under the BCEHS Action Plan.
An additional ambulance is also being added in Williams Lake to help with hospital patient transfers
“The City of Williams Lake is extremely pleased to learn about the increase in paramedic positions for our area,” said Mayor Walt Cobb.
“This service is absolutely critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents, and we are pleased that this investment is being made. The addition of an ambulance to help with inter-facility transfers will help to relieve some of the stress on our current system, and allow existing ambulances to focus on crucial emergency response.”
The additional resources are part of an ongoing commitment by the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority, and BCEHS to increase the number of permanent paramedic positions, and improve ambulance services in urban, rural and remote areas of the province.