Ground ambulances in Saskatchewan responded to over 147,000 calls last year, and over 113,000 patients were transported to hospital. The President of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan expects over 170,000 calls for service this year.  These statistics are being highlighted at the annual PSCS conference happening this week in Saskatoon.

Steve Skoworodko says the number of calls to EMS in Saskatchewan is growing exponentially, with baby boomers aging, possibly deferred health care where people put off health issues during the pandemic that is now becoming more urgent, and a growing population.

One of the strategies on the agenda is around fatigue risk management.  Skoworodko explains that overtime is a factor, as is the number of hours waiting to transfer a patient. He explains that there are daily occurrences in the hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina where EMS will have to wait in a hallway with their patient on a stretcher for eight hours. That’s eight hours they are not responding to other calls, and for those who travelled from out of the city, they still may have several hours to drive back home.

Recruitment and retention is another issue on the agenda. Skoworodko says they are having a challenge finding replacements for those who are retiring, or who are off sick.

The conference continues through Thursday in Saskatoon, and it’s the first time meeting together in person since prior to the pandemic.