Provincial funding has been announced to support medical first responder agencies in Alberta. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta invests $3.85 million to support medical first responders

Feb 21, 2024 | 10:17 AM

Medical first responders across Alberta will be better supported in their efforts to keep people safe, the government said Wednesday.

Alberta has announced $3.85 million in funding, which Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said will help to improve the quality of emergency care.

“Medical first responders are unsung heroes and often the first on the scene of an emergency, particularly in remote areas where access to immediate care is limited,” LaGrange said.

“Their swift intervention can mean the difference between life and death while waiting for EMS services,” she added.

“Investing in these agencies will help to make sure they have the tools and training they need to provide timely and life-saving emergency care when and where it’s needed.”

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More than 200 MFR agencies across Alberta will receive targeted funding, which will be split into two streams.

The first will allow the providers of emergency medical services to buy modern automated external defibrillators, medical kits, CPR mannequins, aid in the development of instructors, and provide training courses for front-line responders.

The second stream will help to offset some of the growing costs in providing MFR services, including increased event volumes, population growth, and the general inflation costs of equipment and fuel.

Blaine Barody, manager of Medical First Response with Alberta Health Services said this funding will go a long way in ensuring they can care for those in need.

“Medical first responders are important partners that co-respond with EMS to many 911 emergencies, often providing care to patients. Having the opportunity to expand our support beyond small rural agencies helps us achieve our goal of providing the best emergency care to Albertans, regardless of where they live,” Barody said.

Although it was not stated how much money each organization will receive, the province said it will go towards MFR agencies in communities of all sizes.