Fire Services as a First Responders to Emergency Calls
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Government of Alberta to consider compensation for fire service providers as first responders to emergency call outs.
WHEREAS Alberta Health Services dispatch has an established protocol that mobilizes the nearest responder to emergency calls (typically this responder is typically the Fire Services);
WHEREAS Fire service providers are not currently compensated for the services provided at emergency call outs requested by Alberta Health Services dispatch; and
WHEREAS the ability to be compensated for an emergency call out requested by Alberta Health Services will provide funding towards the recruitment, retention and training programs for the fire services.
Jan 25, 2012 - Alberta Health & Wellness
With respect to your resolution regarding compensation for fire service providers as first responders to emergency calls, the resolution as written has a very broad scope. Fire service provider emergency calls include, but are not limited to, fire suppression, highway vehicle rescue, hazardous material response, medical first response, and disaster response; this significant role played by fire service providers extends beyond the mandate of the health and Wellness ministry.
Current practice is that these first responder services provided by fire service providers are funded by the municipality as part of their responsibility to develop and maintain safe and viable communities.
November 6, 2012 - Alberta Transportation
The current rate has been in place since 2006 and is intended to cover reasonable costs. Alberta Transportation is open to discussions with the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) to ensure rates remain current.
April 10, 2014 - Alberta Transportation
Immediately following the Minister’s announcement at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties conference on March 18, 2014, the new rates and reporting procedures were implemented across Alberta. The following rate increases will provide municipalities with additional resources for their services: from $400.00 to $600.00 per hour for fire trucks and rescue units; from $75.00 to $175.00 for command units; an annual inflationary adjustment to these rates based on the cost of living index.
AUMA accepts this response.