INNISFAIL – Paramedics do more than just save lives.
Their work is being celebrated during Paramedic Services Week, May 27 to June 2. This year’s theme is health, community and you.
Innisfail residents and visitors will have an opportunity to thank a paramedic during an open house at the Medavie Health Services West (MHS West) location, formerly Guardian Ambulance Ltd. in Innisfail.
“On Saturday, June 2 we are going to have an open house at our station at 4411 49th Street in Innisfail,” said John Barry, general manager of the agency, which is based in Red Deer. “We are going to have a barbecue and we’re also going to have a water gun fight.”
The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We hope it’s a nice warm day,” said Barry, noting they will be accepting donations at the barbecue and will forward proceeds to a local charity.
“Last year we gave it to the Innisfail Victim Services,” he added.
Guardian Ambulance Ltd. was purchased by Medavie Health Services West in April 2016, noted Barry, adding the company has been slowly transitioning over to the new image. It is currently undergoing a rebranding of uniforms and trucks. The process will take place through attrition over the next several years.
“Nothing really is going to change other than people may start seeing a different name on the side of one of our ambulances,” explained Barry.
Medavie Health Services is a national health-care delivery company that provides ground and air ambulance services, medical communications and clinical training, and community health solutions.
Staff will be on hand during the open house on June 2 to talk with visitors and inform them about the work paramedics do.
"It’s going to be a meet and greet. We’re going to have an ambulance there so people can have a look and ask any questions,” said Barry. “If you have a water gun, bring it down.”
Paramedic Services Week is celebrated in communities across Canada.
“It’s a national week of recognition for emergency medical services,” Barry concluded.
