B.C. island residents worry lack of emergency ferry service putting lives at risk
are raising safety concerns over what they say is a lack of around-the-clock medical care.
But locals say that 24-hour emergency ferry service has recently been taken off line due to a staffing issue, leaving a critical overnight cap in coverage.“In the old days, you would call 911, they would connect you to ambulance, and if the ambulance people thought it was appropriate they would call the ferry service, and the engineer would rev up the ferry and you would be taken to Campbell River to emergency,” Heidi Ridgeway, a realtor and 29-year resident of the Island, told Global News.
In a statement, BC Emergency Health Services said dispatchers have several options in an overnight emergency situation, including calling in an air ambulance. The water taxi is also susceptible to weather, he said, and requires paramedics to take a patient out of ambulance and transport them down a wharf and steep ramp to load them onto the boat.Changes made to B.C. ambulance since 2021 heat dome – Jun 7, 2022
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Global COVID-19 cases have doubled in last six weeks, WHO says - National | Globalnews.caReported cases of COVID-19 have doubled around the world in the last six weeks, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Read more »
'It's distressing for everyone': B.C. Gulf Island residents worry they'll be stranded if medical emergency strikes at nightResidents of a B.C. Gulf Island are worried about being stranded during medical emergencies because BC Ferries can't guarantee sailings to get ambulances across to the hospital in Campbell River.
Read more »
Heat wave could ‘cripple’ emergency services already in crisis, paramedics say | Globalnews.caWith heat warnings across much of Canada, first responders are deeply concerned about their ability to respond to heat-related emergencies in a timely way amid staffing shortages.
Read more »
Camera catches Kamloops, B.C. realtor drinking milk from container out of client’s fridge - BC | Globalnews.caFootage from a Ring camera in Lyska Fullerton's home showed realtor Mike Rose opening her fridge and drinking from her milk container while preparing for a showing.
Read more »