Emergency Medical Services

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Integrated service

Regional Emergency Services (RES) offers an integrated service to the residents of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, consisting of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS).

The Fort McMurray Fire Department operates with over 130 qualified firefighters, with medical qualification of either primary care paramedic (PCP) or advanced care paramedic (ACP). The highly trained staff are dedicated to offering timely and accurate first response to meet all fire and medical needs within the municipality.

Ambulances

The Fort McMurray Fire Department is contracted by Alberta Health Services to offer both basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) ambulances to the region. This ensures that residents are receiving the highest level of health care possible in transport to the hospital and other medical services.

The department also works in partnership with Pheonix Heli-Flight to provide rotary wing services to individuals requiring medical care on Highway 63 and 881.

Ambulance Billing

The Alberta Government has outlined the current rates that are charged for Ambulance Services. If patient coverage information is not provided at the time EMS service is provided, the patient will receive a bill. If the patient has coverage through a government program (either Federal or Provincial) or other insurance they will need to work with their coverage provider on bill payment process.

If you have any questions regarding an ambulance bill you have received, contact Accounts Receivable by calling Pulse at 780-743-7000.

Current rates

All Albertans, regardless of where they live in the province, pay the same rate for ground ambulance service in Alberta.

The provincial rate has two fees:

$250 if a patient is not transported, or
$385 if a patient is transported

An additional $200 is charged to a patient who is a non-resident of Alberta, whether the patient is transported or not.

Ambulance fee exemptions

Payment for ambulance services is the responsibility of the patient unless they are covered by a government program or private insurance. If you received a bill but are a senior, have treaty coverage or are on income support, it is important that you contact Accounts Receivable to provide your plan information. If you have non-group supplementary insurance of any other insurance plan, you will be required to pay your invoice and submit directly to your plan provider for reimbursement.

You will not receive a bill if you are transferred between Alberta Health Facilities. You will also not receive a bill for air transportations.

Rural support

Rural communities, such as Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Saprae Creek, Anzac and Conklin, offer first response to all medical and fire related calls by their dedicated team of volunteer Firefighters.

The Fort McMurray Fire Department will then provide ambulance services to support the volunteer rural fire departments if transport is required.