I am a paramedic working out of the Gibsons station.
Last week we were paged to a call on the 8:20 a.m. ferry in Langdale.
A person was having an issue that we call a "Code 3" or a life-threatening condition. The ferry was docked and waiting for us to get there before it sailed. After many minutes, there was an announcement on the ferry saying that the reason they were delayed was for a medical emergency and that they were waiting for an ambulance.
Many more minutes later, there were comments being made by the public that the reason why it seemed to be taking long is that the paramedics were "on strike."
There happened to be a paramedic's mother on board the ferry who overheard people agreeing with this statement.
I want to take a moment and set everyone straight.
We are on strike, but we are not in any way affecting patient care. Our response times are the same. Our level of care is the same. Our union and management are in a tough battle, but why the delay in response? What people may not know is that our ambulances cover the whole Sunshine Coast.
Gibsons station covers an area that spans from Howe Sound Pulp and Paper to mid Roberts Creek. Our two ambulances cover Sechelt when their crews are out on calls. We can even be called to cover Madeira Park. So, when you call 911, think of where the ambulance can be responding from. Consider the heavy traffic, dangerous road conditions and the distance we may be travelling, but know that we're on our way and will get there.
Christine Mutch
Gibsons
