Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness, today announced that Island Emergency Medical Services (Island EMS) has purchased a new Multi-Patient Transport Unit.
The Government of Prince Edward Island provided the necessary funding to purchase the specially designed ambulance.
“Our government has a strong collaborative partnership with Island EMS so I am very pleased that we are able to support them as they enhance their ambulance service,” said Minister Bertram. “The main purpose of this new ambulance is to improve efficiency in patient transfers.”
The new ambulance is the first of its kind on the Island and in the maritime provinces. It has the capability and size to accommodate two patients comfortably for low acuity transfers as well as being able to respond to emergencies if the need arises. It will be used primarily for out-of-province patient transfers allowing a second ambulance, which would otherwise be out-of-province, to remain on the Island for patient transports.
“Island EMS is certainly very appreciative of the support and confidence in this project from the Department of Health and Wellness,” said Craig Pierre, General Manager of Island EMS. “Without them, we would not be able to move forward on these projects and provide a more efficient ambulance service to Islanders.”
The new ambulance was designed by paramedics from Island EMS and built at Tri-Star Industries in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.