RMWB now has local EMS dispatch for calls you hope you never have to make. 

The Municipality is bringing back teams of local EMS dispatchers to help callers needing emergency services. There will be at least three dispatch callers on staff at all times.

Mayor Sandy Bowman says this truly is a great day for the RMWB. 

“This is a new dispatch centre that will be based in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo,” Mayor Bowman said. “This happened because of a lot of work and dedication of so many people.”

Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz echoed the Mayor’s remarks, saying having local services back is great news for the community. 

“Our trained dispatchers have an intimate knowledge of our unique geography within our region, allowing them to dispatch ambulances swiftly and accurately,” Chief Butz said. “In emergencies, every second counts and our local expertise ensures a timely response.”

In April, Alberta Health Services and the RMWB signed a five-year agreement that continues municipal delivery of ground ambulance service in the RMWB.

In 2021, RMWB lost their local EMS dispatch to a provincial centre, along with Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge, which led to delays in emergency services dispatching and locating the actual emergency in question.