INUVIK
Inuvik residents needing emergency help to get to the hospital will see a few new things starting next week - including two new ambulances.

Advanced Medical Solutions president and CEO Sean Ivens gets his team ready to roll out ground ambulance service Feb. 15 in Inuvik. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

Sean Ivens, president and CEO of contract-winning Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), hopes to bring more than new rigs to the community.

"The service will be primary care paramedics and EMRs (emergency medical responders), one of each on shift at all times," he told the Drum. "But we're also bringing in education in first aid and CPR, setting up a facility here."

At their new headquarters in the old Driving Force building, Ivens said they will set up a high-fidelity simulation lab brought in from Yellowknife periodically, allowing doctors and nurses to complete training they might otherwise have to leave the community and region to receive.

"Something that the North is really lacking in is education opportunities," he said.

Advanced Medical Solutions might be new to the ground ambulance contract with the Beaufort Delta Health and Social Services Authority, but the company is not new to Inuvik. The company already runs the air ambulance service for the entire territory, otherwise known as medevac, something Ivens said will make it easier to co-ordinate responses for patients travelling to and from other communities for care.

He said there are about 350 air ambulance calls in and out of Inuvik each year, and about 150 ground ambulance calls.

The new contract with the health authority for ground ambulance service is worth $3.5 million over three years following a competitive process, said health authority acting CEO Roger Israel.

To cover that demand, Ivens said there will be two workers on shift at all times, mainly staying in the apartment above the ambulance bay when not out on calls. While there will be a mix of part-time and full-time positions, Ivens noted that all will be hired from within Inuvik.

"Through our internal training we'll be increasing the capacity of all our staff," he said, noting that the chances for professional development through AMS could lead to better qualified volunteers, as well as possible future employment opportunities. "We'll also be offering these courses regionally."

AMS has experience in providing medical services to industry, like mines, as well 10 years working to develop community ambulance services in Behchoko. The company will take over ground ambulance services in Inuvik on Feb. 15.