EMS service expanding in rural areas of Saskatchewan

More than 70 new full-time positions will be created as part of the Saskatchewan government’s commitment to emergency care in rural, remote and northern areas.

The funding increase of $11 million, which was announced in the budget on March 23, will result in the addition of 70.7 full-time equivalent positions.

Of that money, $7.3 million will go to EMS for more paramedics and ambulances as well as funding for 27 communities across the province. A list of those communities appears below.

“Our government is committed to getting emergency medical services for our residents back on track by addressing critical areas of need with a dedicated focus on rural, remote and northern communities,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a media release.

“EMS is a valuable part of our overall health-care system, and we are grateful for the service they provide. This significant new investment will strengthen ambulance services in 27 communities across our province.”

Another $1.5 million will go towards wage increases set in 2021 for paramedics who work for contracted EMS services.

There also is $653,000 to expand community paramedicine to rural and northern communities through the addition of three full-time positions.

One of those positions will be split between Beauval and Buffalo Narrows, one will be divided between Wynyard, Wadena, Wakaw and other locations in the area, and one will go to one or more First Nations communities.

Saskatchewan’s Medical First Responder Program will get $593,000 for recruitment, for 2.5 full-time positions, and for training and new equipment.