The province’s first district EMS station is now open and fully operational on the south side of the city.
The Southgate District Station, at 15100 Macleod Tr S., will house multiple EMS crews and vehicles. The 34,000 square metre building, formerly the home of the Southgate Chevrolet Olds dealership, includes 41 ambulance bays with room for future expansion.
The district station is expected to improve response times as crews will be assigned to the first available ambulance. EMS crews at single ambulance stations are unable to respond to emergency calls until the previous shift’s crew returns.
“This new superstation puts fresh EMS crews into an ambulance and out on the road faster. That means patients are getting better access to emergency medical care,” said Minister of Health Fred Horne. “This is a sophisticated facility designed with improved patient care in mind, and allows for ongoing expansion as the city continues to grow. This is an exciting development for EMS in Calgary, and Alberta.”
In addition to the 41 ambulance bays, the building includes:
- A briefing room
- Fully stocked supply rooms (medical equipment, uniforms and radio equipment)
- Training facilities
The Southgate District Station required no additional funding. The 10 year, $11 million lease agreement will be funded from the AHS Calgary Zone’s current operating budget. The Calgary Zone has moved EMS crews from two fire stations and is no longer leasing these spaces from the City of Calgary
