Whereas BC Emergency Health Services BCEHS ground ambulances are designed and equipped to provide emergency care and patient transport throughout British Columbia; And whereas BCEHS personnel work closely with local governments in emergencies and disasters; And whereas the lack of consultation with local government in the development of BCEHS policy that impacts life and safety may be harmful to our mutual constituents: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to require BCEHS to report regularly to local government prior to the initiation of a policy where that policy may have an impact on local government resources or the safety of our mutual constituents.
Ministry of Health BC Emergency Health Services BCEHS regularly engages with stakeholders and communities across BC. BCEHS understands the importance of keeping stakeholders and communities aware and involved in discussions related to the policies that surround emergency health services. For example, from May 2022 to July 2022, BCEHS and the Ministry of Health along with representatives from the Fire Chiefs Association of BC, the Local Government Management Association, the First Nations Emergency Services Society and the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board engaged in a consultation process with municipalities and fire agencies throughout BC to implement a coordinated approach to pre-hospital care to ensure that people throughout the province have access to the pre-hospital care they need. BCEHS understands that local governments take interest in the services that are offered to their community, and as a result, BCEHS leadership work with communities as and when needed. BCEHS area managers and directors regularly present to mayors and councils on key initiatives and provide letters to local government when a service level change takes place. BCEHS understands that an essential part of the delivery of emergency health services is working together to ensure a responsive system. BCEHS remains committed to working with stakeholders and local government to find ways to improve services and amend policy.