EMS in the province of Alberta has a long and successful history of using a blended model of health authority services and contracted providers.  Currently, Ground Ambulance service in Alberta is provided by a number different organizations including Non-Profit, Private, First Nations, Fire and Municipal.

Ground Ambulance services start expiring in November 2020.

There will be no interruption of ambulance services. AHS will work identify alternate service delivery options and with contractors who would not like to extend their agreement.

Extensions will be offered until Fall 2022.

There are two different types of ambulances (Advanced and Basic) in the province of Alberta as defined under the Emergency Health Services Act (EHSA). Each type of ambulance has a defined scope of practice for the type of care they provide.

The level of service of service in each community was established prior to AHS assuming responsibility for EMS in 2009 at the municipal level. AHS monitors and evaluates appropriateness of level of service based on a variety of variables including population, call volume, call type, unit utilization, and more.

AHS operates EMS on the principle of a borderless system. Ambulances are centrally dispatched by AHS owned and operated dispatch centers located in Peace River, Edmonton, and Calgary. Municipal “Satellite” dispatch centers in Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Calgary, and Lethbridge also support dispatching in their respective communities.

EMS revenue is partially funded by fee for service to the users of the system. Rates for these fees are charge in accordance with Emergency Health Services Act (EHSA) and all applicable regulations. The remainder of the cost for EMS is funded directly through performance based agreements by AHS.

All EMS contractors are required to participate in a contract management program directly overseen by AHS EMS. This program actively works with contracted partners to ensure services are equitable, sustainable, and operated in a fiscally responsible manner.

AHS has performance based agreements that have requirements for adherence to a standard set of medical protocols and quality management system. These standards and procedures are continuously improved. Both contracted and health authority EMS practitioners follow these standards and are closely monitored for compliance.  Additionally the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) provides governance and licensure to the Paramedicine profession in the province of Alberta.