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Ambulances wait outside the emergency entrance at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on Jan. 12, 2012.

A union leader says government data shows Alberta does not have enough paramedics or ambulances.

Mike Parker, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, says the emergency medical services system is so broken it can’t cope with regular demands, let alone a large scale disaster.

Parker cited Alberta Health Services numbers that show call volumes are up 19 per cent over the past five years and the province’s population has grown by almost 13 per cent.

But the number of paramedics has increased by just over three per cent.

Park also said the data shows the province added just nine more ambulances to its fleet over the same time period.

He said more resources are needed now.

“The result is patients suffering, our members are suffering and the struggle to provide the level of care that Albertans need and deserve. We are failing,” he said Tuesday.

Parkers said paramedics face an increased workload with little to no time between calls. Two to three hours of daily overtime has become commonplace for staff who already work 12-hour shifts.

He said 50 additional ambulances would be required to bring the EMS system to the minimal level capable of addressing current call volumes.

Parker blames Alberta Health Services for failing to deal with situation over the last 10 years.

Darren Sandbeck, senior provincial director and chief paramedic with AHS, confirms officials are aware of the statistics.

He said the situation is being monitored.

“We know that our paramedics are challenged out there,” said Sandbeck.

“They’re challenged with call volumes, they’re challenged with hospital wait times. We’re aware of all these things and we’re working hard to find solutions.”

Sandbeck said more paramedics and ambulances will be added to the system when it is financially possible.

In the meantime, Sandbeck said people should use the EMS system appropriately and consider calling the HealthLink system if they aren’t sure an ambulance is required. (CTV Calgary)

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