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Part of Emergency health services provider and operator information

Emergency Health Services Framework survey

Phase I stakeholder survey – Emergency Health Services Framework modernization.

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Emergency health services provider and operator information
  • Emergency Health Services Framework survey

Introduction

The Government of Alberta is gathering input on the Emergency Health Services (EHS) framework, which consists of the Emergency Health Services Act (2008), Ground Ambulance Regulation (2020), and the Ground Ambulance Vehicle Standards Code (2021).

Over the past 20 years, Alberta’s population has grown significantly. As the population has increased, the demand for EHS has also grown, placing sustained pressure on the system. Additionally, new EHS roles and methods of dispatch and delivery have yet to be fully integrated into Alberta’s EHS framework.

This survey seeks input on if the current EHS legislation supports a modernized EHS delivery model and ensures safe, consistent and integrated care across ground ambulance, air ambulance, Medical First Responder (MFR), industrial/Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC) services and new models of care. Your feedback will help inform proposed changes to ensure the safety of EHS workers and Albertans by providing key operational insights.

Glossary of terms

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and closes on April 21, 2026.

Survey

  • About you
  • Defining EHS
  • Patient transport
  • Standards of care
  • Oversight and reporting
  • Evolving service models and technologies
  • Changes to legislation and standards
  • Final reflections
  • Complete

About you

To put answers in context, it is important to understand what kind of organization or group you represent or are a part of and the geographic areas you serve.

Which best describes your organization?
Which geographic areas does your organization primarily serve?

Defining EHS

The purpose of this section is to gather information on whether there are issues and discrepancies regarding definitions in the EHS system, including the official entry point of a patient into the system. Your responses will help develop consistent definitions for expectations and oversight.

When does an individual enter the EHS system?
Which service types should be explicitly included in the EHS legislative framework? Select all that apply.

Patient transport

Many emergency transports happen outside the licensed ambulance system, especially in industrial settings and remote areas. These activities are essential but do not necessarily fall within the EHS framework. The purpose of this section is to gather insight into emergency transportation practices that occur outside the licensed ambulance system, particularly in industrial and remote areas. Your input will help ensure safe and consistent transportation across all EHS settings.

Which areas require clearer expectations to support safe, consistent patient transport? Select up to 3.

Standards of care

Different types of responders operate under different expectations for medical oversight, documentation, reporting and clinical practice. The purpose of this section is to learn whether there is a need for consistent province-wide minimum standards so that patients receive safe and predictable care, no matter who responds.

Which areas need the most attention to strengthen safety and quality in the EHS system? Select up to 3.
Which issues affect your organization? Select up to 3.

Oversight and reporting

This section focuses on exploring views on how oversight and reporting requirements can be modernized so that risks are identified early and addressed consistently across all providers. Your input will help inform what reporting and oversight approaches are most appropriate.

Which reporting requirements are most important for safety and accountability? Select up to 3.
What level of oversight is appropriate? Select all that apply.

Evolving service models and technologies

New tools like virtual clinical triage, telemedicine, digital records, and evolving service models are becoming more common in emergency care. The questions in this section are to gather insight into evolving service models and use of new emergency care. Your input will help inform legislation that can support innovation while keeping the system safe and consistent.

What emerging or technology-enabled models should be supported in a modern EHS system? Select all that apply.
Which definitions or categories need clearer updating to reflect modern practice? Select up to 3.

Changes to legislation and standards

Changes to legislation and standards may create new responsibilities for some providers. The purpose of this section is to help reveal the impacts that may come along with potential changes in the legislation and standards. Your feedback will help in an understanding of the real-world impacts of potential changes and what support(s) will help ensure a smooth transition.

What risks should government consider when updating EHS expectations? Select up to 3.
What support would help to ensure a smooth transition? Select up to 3.

Final reflections

This is your opportunity to identify any issues not covered earlier.

How was your experience sharing your input today?
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