An ambulance operator on the Avalon is making it clear that his service is not tied into the current dispute with the Teamsters Local 855.

The union says talks with Freake’s and Fewer’s are at a standstill as workers contemplate job action. Emergency services would still be available were the union to take action, but routine transfers would not likely get done by them.

Smith’s Ambulance in Whitbourne doesn’t want people in his region to think that their service would be impacted. Owner Wade Smith says his ambulance is not involved in that dispute.

He also says it’s difficult to get paramedics as everything is backed up with COVID because the classes that students have to take are not always available.

Smith notes that the Ambulance Service Agreement earlier this year allocated an extra $2.22 per hour for paramedics.

However, operators haven’t had an increase since 2014, and he says they don’t seem to be a priority for government.