Media Advisory
Alberta unprepared for medical emergencies
New information obtained from Alberta Health Services (AHS) shows that the province Alberta would not be able to cope with a large-scale medical crisis and is already struggling to meet day-to-day demands, says the union representing health-care professionals.
On Tuesday, March 20, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) will release statistics obtained by a Freedom of Information request that paint a stark picture of an Emergency Medical System (EMS) in crisis.
“Our paramedic members across the province have been saying for a long time that front-line resources have failed to keep up with demand. We now have the proof to back up those claims,” says Mike Parker, president of HSAA, which represents more than 25,000 health-care professionals, including about 3,400 paramedics. “When Albertans, including children, experience a medical emergency, they need and deserve to have appropriate care.”
Parker will be available to talk to the media on March 20, either at Alberta Children’s Hospital or by phone.
TIME: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 20.
LOCATION: In front of the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary (junction of Oki Drive and Children’s Drive N.W.)
MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Parker, HSAA president, 780-984-2154
Terry Inigo-Jones, HSAA Communications, 587-990-3394
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