The 2024-25 provincial budget investment for emergency medical services has been announced, aiming to help make EMS more constant and accessible for rural and northern communities.
In a release there was an announced $7.5 million dollars increase for annual funding. This would be used to not only to provide competitive wages for paramedics working for contracted EMS services, but to also provide funding and resources for EMS in northern and rural communities. The goal being more stable ambulance services.
Part of a multi-year plan, there will be an additional 21.19 full-time equivalent positions starting on October 1, 2024, to support Rosetown and the following communities;
Beechy
Carlyle
Estevan
Imperial
Ituna
Kelvington
Naicam
Onion Lake
Pelican Narrows
Prince Albert
Richmound
Swift Current
Wadena
"This funding increase has begun adding necessary resources and capacity to stabilize services and help with emergency response times,"
Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod explained in a release.
"Government's multi-year EMS plan continues to address gaps within rural and remote communities and demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting EMS staff and ultimately benefitting patients."
The full release can be read here