Dear Editor:
Re: Ambulance Station Fate Murky, March 28.
An article published in this paper on March 28 contains an inaccurate overview of the plans for the BC Ambulance Service station in West Vancouver.
The article noted that "West Vancouver's one ambulance won't be stationed in the municipality's new public safety building." This statement is not accurate. BCAS has not made a decision regarding the future location of the ambulance facility in West Vancouver. BCAS is working with municipal partners and potential landlords to identify a suitable location that enables timely patient care, meets facility requirements and is within available funding.
Ambulances will continue to respond to calls from the current facility until a new location has been determined. Any decisions to relocate this station will be made in the best interest of patients and the community.
The article also references concerns with the condition of the current West Vancouver station. Similar to other stations across B.C., the building is regularly maintained and there is a covered area to protect ambulances from weather. All ambulances also have compartment heaters to keep drugs and equipment at optimal temperatures.
BCAS provides a high level of service to the North Shore using seven ambulances, however, these ambulances do not just respond to calls in their home communities. For example, an ambulance based in North Vancouver may regularly respond to calls in West Vancouver and vice versa. This model enables flexibility during high call volume periods or during a mass casualty incident. BCAS remains committed to providing high quality, timely and safe care to North Shore patients.
BCAS superintendent Don McPherson
Editor's note: West Vancouver's communications director said in an interview the new public safety building would not house an ambulance.
