Paramedics warn ambulance staffing crisis could worsen across British Columbia

BC paramedics are warning of empty ambulances as staffing shortages persist.

Ambulance staffing in British Columbia has reached critical levels, with significant numbers of ambulances sitting idle due to a lack of personnel.

The Ambulance Paramedics of BC – CUPE 873, representing nearly 6,000 dispatchers and paramedics in the province, is raising alarms over the ongoing crisis.

“Our members are reporting dozens of ambulances across the province sitting empty when they show up to work, and it’s not getting any better,” said Jason Jackson, President of the Ambulance Paramedics of BC. “We’ve tried to engage with BCEHS, PHSA, and the government, but they still seem hesitant to admit we are reaching critical staffing levels again.”

The staffing shortages are compounded by hundreds of unfilled positions within the British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).

Jackson emphasized that these predictable vacancies could be addressed proactively by scheduling overtime in advance. However, BCEHS instituted new overtime restrictions on January 1st to address budget deficits, leading to frontline service cuts and longer response times.

According to the union, approximately 25% of ambulances in the province are typically unstaffed on any given day. These shortages are severely impacting patients, particularly those with non-critical conditions.

“Our low-acuity calls are waiting longer than ever, and BCEHS’ deployment changes are hurting patients,” Jackson stated. “Patients are sitting for hours on the floor or with first responders when they need to be transported to the hospital by paramedics immediately. Now is not the time to cut frontline services.”

Despite repeated warnings from CUPE 873, BCEHS, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), and the provincial government have refused to reverse the overtime ban policy.The union stated that this left them with little choice but to alert the public.

“We’re issuing this warning to the public that when you call 911, and if it’s not critical, you will undoubtedly be waiting for an ambulance, and it could be a long time,” Jackson cautioned.

The union said they will continue to advocate for immediate action to address the staffing crisis, urging BCEHS and government officials to prioritize public safety over cost-cutting measures. Without intervention, they warn the situation will only deteriorate further, putting patients and paramedics at greater risk.