‘That’s not acceptable’: No ambulance service in Stewart, B.C., has mayor demanding answers

The mayor of Stewart, a small town on the Alaska border in British Columbia, is raising concerns about the lack of ambulance service in the community. Angela Brand Danuser, the mayor of Stewart, a district with approximately 500 residents, was informed of the service disruption through unofficial channels on Monday. She expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on when ambulance coverage will be restored.

Currently, the community’s two paramedics are on leave without replacements, leaving Stewart without local ambulance service. The nearest ambulances are located in Hazelton, a three-hour drive away. This situation is particularly alarming considering Stewart’s aging population, tourism industry, and mining sector, all of which could require emergency medical assistance.

The District of Stewart issued a public safety announcement on social media, stating that the service disruption could last for an unspecified period. While there are rumors that ambulance service may resume on July 15, no official confirmation has been provided. Brand Danuser highlighted the risks posed by the lack of ambulance service, citing instances where individuals had to transport patients to the health center themselves due to delays in ambulance response.

The mayor emphasized that the community’s volunteer firefighters and RCMP officers are not trained or insured to operate ambulances. She urged residents to be prepared for emergencies and create contingency plans in the absence of reliable ambulance service.

The union representing paramedics raised concerns about the sustainability of having only two paramedics available 24/7, citing issues of burnout and stress. They advocated for full-time paramedic positions to ensure adequate coverage in rural areas like Stewart. B.C. Emergency Health Services acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that they are working to provide consistent ambulance coverage in Stewart through the Travelling Paramedic Program.

Despite the reassurances from B.C. Emergency Health Services, Mayor Brand Danuser expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of specific information about when ambulance service will be restored. The community remains in the dark about the timeline for resuming ambulance coverage, prompting concerns about residents’ safety in emergencies.