EHS Services - Utilizing First Responders

Whereas the residents of Province of British Columbia deserve timely and professional emergency health care services when health emergencies occur; And whereas many rural communities lack after hour and weekend access to medical clinics or hospitals in their communities; And whereas the BC Emergency Health Services prioritization model often and regularly deploys Emergency Health Care resources from smaller rural communities to larger communities, often leaving rural communities with limited or no Emergency Health Care resources in community. Residents of rural communities are subjected to extended delays in their access to emergency health care; And whereas many rural communities possess Volunteer Fire Departments with personnel who are qualified as First Responders and possess a valid Class 4 BC drivers licence: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia and BC Emergency Health Services to authorize Volunteer Fire Department personnel with valid Class 4 drivers licence to drive ambulances when full staffing levels require the assistance of an ambulance driver.