B.C. paramedics warn staffing is at critical level over the weekend

The union representing ambulance paramedics across the province says staffing shortages could mean dozens of ambulances sitting empty over the weekend.

In an alert issued Friday evening, the Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873 blames these shortages on what it says is a new overtime ban policy, put into effect Jan. 1 by its employer, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).

“Our members are reporting dozens and dozens of ambulances across the province sitting empty when they show up to work, and it’s not getting any better,” said union president Jason Jackson.

“We’ve tried to engage with BCEHS, PHSA [the Provincial Health Services Association], and the government, and they still seem hesitant to admit we are reaching critical staffing levels again.”

The union says that on a typical day, 25 per cent of all ambulances are empty. The situation, it says, means longer wait times for everyone.

“We’re hearing that patients are sitting for hours on the floor, or with first responders when they need to be transported to hospital by paramedics immediately,” Jackson said.

“Now is not the time to cut front-line services.”

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the BCEHS for comment.