Rapid medical response units begin service

Two vehicles staffed with paramedics, but not able to transport patients, began operating on P.E.I. Thursday.

The SUVs, stationed at opposite ends of the province, are meant to ease the pressure on full ambulance service, which has seen an increasing number of calls over the last year.

Paramedic Darren Carver, who is working in one of the two medical response units, told CBC News late Thursday his vehicle has already proved its worth.

"Did a couple of emergency calls that didn't require any patient transport to the hospital, so it freed up the units to respond to more higher acuity calls," said Carver.

Island EMS will keep one vehicle in Souris and the other in Alberton. They contain all the equipment that would be in an ambulance, but the SUVs do not have the space to transport a patient. A standard ambulance with stretcher will follow if it is needed.

Health Minister Doug Currie said the move will help ease pressure on the system.

"What we're seeing is a pretty strong demand for ground ambulance services across the province," said Currie.

"This time last year, we've seen an increase of over 1,300 calls. A third of those would be inter-facility transfer calls."

Island EMS will operate the rapid response units Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opposition MLA Colin LaVie, who is also Souris's fire chief, said the two new vehicles will not cover the need.

"They've added their quick response, which will free up the first responders, but the first response team can't transport," said LaVie.

Island EMS said hours can be adjusted based on call volume. The province will also be adding additional patient transfer units in September.

For mobile device users:Are the rapid response units a useful addition to P.E.I.'s emergency medical response system?