Alberta Health Services is considering changing the way ambulances are dispatched.
Currently all emergency calls, for police, fire, or EMS go to one dispatch centre. However AHS is contemplating taking over the ambulance dispatch and making it a separate operation.
In a letter to the health minister, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says changes would increase ambulance response times.
Gary Williamson says EMS saved his life in 2012.
He was at the Cowboys Casino when his heart suddenly stopped. A call to 911 saved his life.
Williamson says “If you ask me if you should tinker with that system? Don’t touch it, because it works.”
AHS claims that the new system will use new technology to consolidate how ambulances are dispatched across the province, which would result in faster response times.
The new dispatch centre in Calgary is expected to open next spring, construction is already underway.
