On November 8, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority made an official announcement regarding an ambulance service that will be based within Martensville to help provide enhanced service for communities located immediately north of Saskatoon.
Martensville-Warman MLA Terry Jenson noted that the Sask Government would be following through with a budget commitment of $6.57 million to enhance emergency medical services within the province. Jenson added that $1.16 million in annual funding would be provided “to the SHA to support enhanced ambulance services, address growing demand and improve response times for Martensville, Warman and other communities north of Saskatoon.” This funding will support the addition of one staffed ambulance through Medavie Health Services West within the area.
For Fire Chief Kurtis Dyck of the Martensville Fire Department (MFD), this announcement was long-awaited. “This has been something that we have been working on for many years, so we are very excited to have an ambulance service based out of Martensville. Having this satellite base located in Martensville will decrease the amount, but not eliminate the medical calls that MFD will respond to,” Dyck explained.
Dyck added that for residents within Martensville and surrounding areas, this new addition will significantly improve response times, which in turn, will result in better patient care.
Currently, a location for the base has not been finalized; however, Dyck noted that there are plans to begin construction as soon as possible. Until the base is complete, the ambulance will be stationed at the Martensville Fire Hall.
The SHA plans to take a phased approach for the ambulance base, which will begin by providing services 12 hours/day beginning this month, then an additional 12 hours/day beginning March 2022.
“This is a step in the right direction, but there will only be an ambulance in Martensville based on availability of units. Our ultimate goal is to have a permanent full-time ambulance station in Martensville,” said Dyck.
City Manager Scott Blevins updated Martensville City Council at the November 16th meeting, noting that he and Chief Dyck had met with Medavie Health Services West to discuss the next steps, noting that Medavie would be applying for a permit in the near future. “Medavie does not own land or buildings and are working with their developer to construct and lease. We will be working through options on the land,” Blevins said in his report.