BC will hire four new paramedics in North Vancouver, as part of a province-wide push to enhance the ambulance service.
Burnaby and Port Moody are getting eight new paramedics, while four new paramedics will be hired for Vancouver.
In total, the province plans to hire 85 new full-time paramedics in Metro Vancouver communities as well as in Kamloops and Prince George.
BC also plans to hire 30 new full-time dispatchers, and will appoint a new chief ambulance officer who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the BC Ambulance Service.
On October, 24 ambulance stations in smaller communities will be converted from on-call paramedic staffing to 24/7 stations.
“When we call 911 for help, British Columbians need to feel confident that help is on the way and that it will arrive quickly,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“The significant progress made by BC Emergency Health Services over the summer will ensure a more effective ambulance service for patients and families who depend on it. Better support for paramedics and dispatchers will help them do the vital work we count on every day,” Dix said.
