SERVICE AREA

Station 2 - Alberta Beach Station 5 - Onoway Station 4 - Wabamun Station 1 - Stony Plain Station 6- Devon Station 7 - Calmar Station 8 - Nisku Station 9 - Warburg

YEARLY STATISTICS

The attached charts of statistical data contains very basic information about our service. The highlights of our overall statistical information include:

2006 total call volume increased by 9.6% from 2005, with transfers again equalling 30% of total call volume. In the five year span from 2001 to 2006, total call volume has risen by 158%.

2005 total call volume remained relatively stable, with a 3% increase from that of 2004, and a 7% overall increase for the year 2004. Emergency call volume in Parkland North saw a slight decrease with Spruce Grove leaving the Authority, however, the increase in total call volume was due to the addition of coverage in Leduc County and increased transfer load.

In 2003, call volume increased by approximately 15% overall from 2002. This is a steady increase in call volume in view of the 13% increase from 2001. The call volume increase also closely matches the steady population increase that has taken place in our service area. However, certain call categories were particularly noticeable. These included breathing problems, cardiac/respiratory arrest, seizures, falls, and overdoses.
Some call categories also decreased substantially, these included: motor vehicle collisions, chest pain and assaults.
Hospital transfers remained at approximately 30% of total call distribution.

Call volumes fluctuated during the week with Monday being the lowest volume and Saturday being the highest volume.
Emergency calls are generally split evenly between nights and days.
The Authority sees a peak of emergency call volume between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Winter months generally have less call volume during nights than do summer months.

PROTOCOLS

Parkland Ambulance Authority has some of the most advanced and aggressive protocols in the province. We pride ourselves on constantly evaluating new trends and treatments in pre-hospital care and adjusting our protocols as needed. One of the ways that we can accomplish this is by use of the Patient Care Report Audit System. Every PCR is reviewed by staff members to ensure consistency and compliance with Parkland Protocols. For more information on the audit system shared with Grande Prairie Regional EMS, click HERE.

To view our protocols in .PDF format, please click HERE (last updated December 1, 2006). Our protocols are not copyrighted and as such you may use any ideas, treatments or procedures incorporated therein in your service. Please remember that these protocols are the product of years of time and effort and to give credit for original work.

STAFF

Parkland Ambulance Authority currently employs 46 F.T.E. and 30 casual EMT-A's and Paramedics for a total road staff complement of 76 employees. Many staff members bring years of experience to Parkland Ambulance, and many are long term employees. We currently have 3 staff members that have been with the Authority since it's inception in 1983 and 22 staff members with greater than 5 years of service.

 Staff Pictures

 Administrative Officers

 
David Warhaft
Chief
Administrative
Officer

 
Drew Doering
Director of
Operations
 

 
Victor Drouin
Logistics Manager

 
Renald Bouffard
Fleet Services Manager

 
Dr. Bill Sevcik
Medical Director

   Administrative Staff


Kim


Kathy


Carrie


Tracy


Maurie

       Officers


Darren Grout Paramedic
Supervisor

 
Lee Beamish Paramedic
Supervisor

 
Stephen Kondics
Paramedic
Supervisor

 
Mike Kohut    Paramedic
Supervisor

 
Brandie Connor
Paramedic
Lieutenant


 
Jaime Bishop
Paramedic
Lieutenant


Leslie Farnham EMT
Lieutenant

 
Gerry Gunderson  
 Paramedic
Lieutenant

 
Rob Miller  
 Paramedic
Lieutenant


                                         Ambulance Staff


Allison
Paramedic


Alona
EMT


Amanda
Paramedic


Amanda
Paramedic


Anya
Paramedic


Bill
Paramedic


Brad
Paramedic


Brad
EMT


Brendan
EMT


Brett
EMT


Brian
EMT


Caleya
Paramedic


Carmen
Paramedic


Carolyn
EMT


Carolyn
Paramedic


Casey
EMT


Chad
Paramedic


Chris
Paramedic

 
Christian
Paramedic


Clayton
EMT


Cory
Paramedic

 
Corinne
Paramedic


Craig
EMT


Dallas
EMT


Dallas
Paramedic


Dan
Paramedic


Darryl
EMT

 
Fred
Paramedic


Gord
Paramedic

 
Greg
Paramedic


Heath
Paramedic


Jaclyn
EMT


Jacques
Paramedic


James
Paramedic


James
Paramedic


Jason
EMT


Jeff
Paramedic

 
Jennifer
Paramedic

 
Jim
Paramedic


Jodi
EMT

 
John
Paramedic


Kelsey
EMT

 
Kevin
Paramedic

 
Kim
Paramedic


Kim
EMT

 
Krista
Paramedic

 
Krista
EMT

 
Layne
EMT


Marla
EMT

 
Maureen
EMT

 
Mike
Paramedic


Ray
Paramedic

 
Rich
EMT

 
Rick
EMT

 
Rob
EMT

 
Robyn
EMT

 
Ryan
Paramedic

 
Ryan
EMT

 
Scott
EMT

 
Scott
Paramedic

 
Scott
Paramedic

 
Shauna
Paramedic

 
Sheena
Paramedic

 
Stephanie
Paramedic

 
Steve
Paramedic


Steve
EMT

 
Tammy
Paramedic


Tammy
EMT

 
Tara
Paramedic

 
Tina
EMT

 
Tracy
Paramedic

 
Vanessa
Paramedic

 
Vincent
Paramedic

 
Warren
EMT

STATIONS

We have a total of 8 stations, situated throughout our service area. Our stations are located in:

Each station receives coverage according to it's priority in the Parkland Ambulance System as well as other factors. For the stations in the West coverage area of the Parkland Region (Alberta Beach, Wabamun and Onoway) coverage is divided according to policy set by the Board of Directors. Wabamun receives 50% coverage while Alberta Beach and Onoway share 25% coverage each. The Stony Plain and Devon Stations each receive 100% coverage. In the Leduc Region the Nisku and Warburg stations are permanent stations with 100% coverage while Calmar is a 'flex' station. This means that when the ambulance in Nisku is on a call, the Warburg ambulance moves to Calmar to provide optimum coverage.

AMBULANCES

A new Demers Ambulance. New graphics package.

Parkland Ambulance Authority maintains a total of 11 registered Ambulances and 2 multi-purpose Sport Utility Vehicles. During the day 7 ambulances are staffed and available, reduced to 5 ambulances at night, and 6 during weekend nights. The other vehicles are used as mechanical backups or can be staffed during times when additional coverage is required.

Currently our fleet consists of 8 Demers' ambulances and 3 Wheeled Coach Ambulances. Our newest additions are four 2005 Chevrolet C4500 Commercial Duty Truck Chassis and Demers' Ambulance Conversion Boxes. This combination is unique in Alberta, and was researched and designed by the Parkland Ambulance Vehicle Services Coordinator in order to reduce maintenance costs. Some ways that costs can be reduced include: an all LED light package, larger brake rotors and disks and a heavier duty customised suspension package.

One of our newest Demers units.  Unit put into service March 25, 2005. A new Demers Ambulance.

The multi-purpose Sport Utility Vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer was donated through funds raised in the World Golf Tournament sponsored by Spruceland Insurance of Spruce Grove. For more information on the golf tournament please click HERE.

Our Chevrolet Trailblazer (foreground) with a new Demers Ambulance (background). Chevrolet Suburban, used as a Paramedic/ Supervisor Response Vehicle.

AMBULANCE DISPATCH

Parkland Ambulance Dispatch services are contracted to Parkland County Emergency Communications Center since the centers inception in 1988. TELUS Enhanced-911 service started in 1996 which provides the answering Emergency Communications Operator with the callers location, phone number and appropriate response agency. The ECC currently provides 911 call answer services to over 50 municipalities with a population in excess of 135,000, dispatching Fire Departments, Ambulances, County Patrol and Animal Control. It also serves as emergency backup to other 911 centers on the Provincial E-911 Network. Trained Emergency Medical Dispatch operators answer all incoming calls, prioritize them and notify the closest ambulance.

For more information please visit their website at www.parklandcounty.com/Departments/Protective/ECC/ECC.htm.

CALLING 9-1-1

Important information you will need when calling 9-1-1 includes:

  1. Where is the exact location of the emergency?
  2. What is the phone number that you are calling from? (If you are using a cellular phone do not turn it off)
  3. What is the emergency? (What is wrong, the reason for calling)
  4. The number of people and their approximate ages?
  5. Are they concious?
  6. Are they breathing?

For more information on calling 9-1-1 please visit the Parkland County Emergency Communications Center website at www.parklandcounty.com/Departments/Protective/ECC/ECC.htm.

MASS CASUALTY AND DISASTER PLANNING

Parkland Ambulance Authority serves an area of approximately 6000 sq. km. In addition to the vast number of primary and secondary highways, the area boasts several business parks, the Edmonton International Airport, railways, and the Budweiser Motor Sports Park. PAA maintains an integral role in the Municipal Disaster Plans of Counties, Towns, and Villages in our operational area, as well as the Airport Authority. As such, the Parkland Ambulance Authority is actively increasing its Disaster equipment and involvement in disaster planning and response.

We have recently participated in disaster exercises with various agencies including local Municipalities, local Law Enforcment Agencies, local Fire Departments and the Edmonton Airport Authority.

Some emergency personnel are trained in Emergency Planning for Municipalities and Emergency Site Management. Many areas that the Parkland Ambulance Authority serves require active involvement in disaster exercises. These exercises focus on the ability of the Parkland Ambulance Authority to respond, adapt and overcome the obstacle at hand, before the real situation occurs.

The Parkland Ambulance Authority has begun to stock pile medical supplies and equipment that would be used during a disaster or Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). There are ten supply boxes that each contain intravenous supplies, syringes, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, and blankets to name a few, located in strategic areas around the area. Other supplies include spine boards, straps, cervical collars, disposable head immobilizers, and treatment area barrier tape. In the future the Parkland Ambulance Authority will develop a disaster supply transport unit; this unit will be used to transport major disaster supplies to a scene to assist with patient treatment.

For more information about the Parkland Ambulance Authority disaster plan, click HERE.

PAA UPCOMING COURSES

~Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers (PEPP)  - August 26/27, 2008. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants.

~CPR Recertification Classes - September 3/4/8/9, 2008. Course offered in the morning and afternoon each day. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330.

~International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) - (Formerly BTLS) - September 11/12, 2008. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants, they are available at Chapters-Indigo online.

~Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - September 19, 2008. Corporate rates available. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants, they are available at Chapters-Indigo online.

~LP12/ Vital Heart Response (VHR)/ Capnography Review - October 2, 2008 (1800h-2200h). Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330.

~Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - New Standards - October 16/17, 2008 OR October 22/23, 2008. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants. Registrants needing one can contact Heart & Stroke Foundation at (780) 451-4545.

~LP12/ Vital Heart Response (VHR)/ Capnography Review - November 4, 2008 (1800h-2200h). Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330.

**FULL**~Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - November 7, 2008. Corporate rates available. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants, they are available at Chapters-Indigo online.

~STARS Mobile Simulation Training - (Internal staff only) November 20, 2008. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330.

~ECG Intrepretation Course - November 29/30, 2008. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330.

**FULL**~Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - December 4/5, 2008. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants. Registrants needing one can contact Heart & Stroke Foundation at (780) 451-4545.

**FULL**~International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) - (Formerly BTLS) - December 6/7, 2008. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants, they are available at Chapters-Indigo online.

**FULL**~Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - January 8/9, 2009. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants. Registrants needing one can contact Heart & Stroke Foundation at (780) 451-4545.

~International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) - (Formerly BTLS) - January 15/16, 2009. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants, they are available at Chapters-Indigo online.

~Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - New Standards - February 26/27, 2009. Corporate rates available, candidates must attend both days. Register by EMAIL or phone (780) 963-4330. *Please Note: Parkland Ambulance Authority is no longer able to provide textbooks for this course to external participants. Registrants needing one can contact Heart & Stroke Foundation at (780) 451-4545.

All courses commence at 08:00 (unless otherwise stated) at PAA Stn. 1, 2700-48 Street, 2nd Floor (Parkland County Services Building) in Stony Plain. Students should come prepared to learn and have fun.