Emergency medical services to see more funding, staff thanks to budget increase

Emergency medical services (EMS) are set to improve in a number of Saskatchewan communities.

An $8.8-million increase to annual funding – announced in the 2023-24 provincial budget – will bring EMS improvements to 31 different communities, according to the Ministry of Health.

The ministry said the improvements include more rural and remote ground ambulance staff, expansions to community paramedicine, and more operational funding for contracted EMS operators and community upgrades. The money will also be used to address wage parity issues, the ministry noted.

Calling it a “crucial priority area,” Everett Hindley — Saskatchewan’s rural and remote health minister — said the government is committed to supporting EMS outside of the major urban centres of the province.

“This year’s investment is part of a multi-year commitment to stabilize emergency services and modernize the system to improve overall response times, patient care and patient flow through the system as well as addressing offload delays,” Hindley said in a statement.

The funding includes $3.5 million to help create 33 full-time equivalent positions in 27 Saskatchewan communities, and $739,000 to expand community paramedicine programs within five rural and northern communities.

The 27 communities are Biggar, Carnduff, Cupar, Cut Knife, Eston, Fillmore, Hudson Bay, Kamsack, Kindersley, Lestock, Lloydminster, Melville, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Norquay, North Battleford, Outlook, Porcupine Plain, Prince Albert, Radville, Shaunavon, Stoughton, Wakaw, Wawota, Weyburn, Wilkie and Yorkton.

Contracted EMS providers across Saskatchewan will also see a $2.6-million increase in “wage parity funding,” which the ministry said is to assist in recruitment and retention measures by ensuring wages remain competitive. Contracted ambulance operators will also see a two per cent grant increase, the ministry added.

In addition, $1 million was set aside to help EMS providers upgrade their communications equipment and technology.

Steven Skoworodko, head of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan, said the organization is pleased with the new funding.

“The investment of $8.8 million is a strong commitment to addressing ongoing crucial needs of ambulance services and paramedics in the province,” Skoworodko said in a statement.

“We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Health as well as the (Saskatchewan Health Authority) to ensure the best patient care is brought to the residents of Saskatchewan.”

More details on the funding can be found on the Saskatchewan government’s website.