Advanced Paramedic Limited (APL) will soon provide air ambulance services to the Mackenzie region.
Starting on March 31, 2018, APL will operate out of the High Level and Fort Vermilion communities for a 10-year period.
But, to clarify, APL CEO Stephen Woodburn says that the contract does not include the aircraft.
“There are two separate contracts that Alberta Health Services hands out,” Woodburn told the Trending 55 Newsroom. “There’s an aviation contract that provides the aircraft, and then there is a medical crew contract. And our job is to do the medical crew work for Alberta Health Services (AHS) at these base locations.”
APL takes over this responsibility from Aeromedical, which previously provided the medical personnel to those two communities.
As for the aircraft, CanWest Air will continue to provide that aspect within the Mackenzie region.
“We’re going to work together with APL, as we do any other medevac provider,” Justin Krasnikoff, CanWest’s Air Operations Manager, said in a news release. “We want to make sure that AHS has a top notch service for the people who live within these communities.”
APL, which also provides the personnel in both Peace River and Grande Prairie, says they’re excited about expanding into High Level and Fort Vermilion.
“It’s a big boost for our little company here based in Peace River,” said Woodburn. “And you know, the good news is, we ARE a Peace River company. We are based here, and we will continue to be. It’s just that we’ll continue to expand right beyond our borders.”
Woodburn says that APL looks forward to being involved in each and every community that they serve in.
In fact, he adds that out in Grande Prairie, he’s actually gone out on the front lines with his medical crews.
“It’s important for me to go on a few air ambulance missions from time to time,” he said. “It’s very easy to get caught up in the office for long periods of time with no patient contact, and I really enjoy getting into the aircraft when I can or, most certainly, if it’s required.”
Woodburn adds that it’s a great reminder of the important service that’s provided, and that it gives him a great opportunity to spend quality time with his employees.
– Posted by BET
