The availability of ambulances for people who need them is an ongoing concern as NAPE marks Paramedics Services Week in the province.

More “Red Alert” situations occurred this week – meaning there were times when no ambulance was available for a call if one came in.

That’s an ongoing concern which requires a multi-disciplinary approach according to NAPE President Jerry Earle. He says paramedics are entrusted with custody of care, meaning they cannot leave a patient until a bed or physician is available.

Paramedics are also involved in the Palliative Home Care program, meaning they provide the care a terminal patient needs to allow them to stay at home longer.

Earle says they fully support both programs, but more resources are needed.

Paramedics cannot just leave somebody, and he says a way has to be found to replace the paramedics who are tied up until a bed or emergency room physician is available.