Medavie Health Services West - Central Alberta

08/26/2026

Ever wonder why an ambulance sometimes has its lights and sirens on, when other times it doesn't?

Not every ambulance call is the same. Our team assess each situation individually and decide on the safest and most appropriate way to respond. In some cases, lights and sirens may be necessary, when other times, they may not be.

There are many reasons an ambulance might be traveling without lights or sirens, including:

Non-urgent responses: When we're traveling for non-urgent purposes, such as routine patient transfers or even vehicle maintenance, our ambulances may be operated in the same way as any other vehicle on the road.

Traffic conditions: Depending on traffic, road conditions, and the nature of the call, crews can make the informed choice to travel with the normal flow of traffic.

Every situation is guided by our teams training and experience, helping them to choose the safest approach for both patients and others on the road. If you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaching, remember to slow down, move over carefully, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle(s) has passed.

07/08/2026

On this International Paramedics Day, we are reminded of the bond that connects paramedics across communities, provinces, and our country.

Yesterday, when a tragedy struck our colleagues in Prince Edward Island, the entire paramedicine community came together in an outpour of compassion, strength, and empathy. The same compassion, strength, and empathy that paramedics bring to everything they do.

Emergencies don’t take a day off, and through extraordinary challenges, paramedics to serve their communities with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment.

To every paramedic in Prince Edward Island, in our communities, and across Canada, thank you. The strength you provide during such difficult moments reflect the very best of the paramedic profession.

07/07/2026

Today, we are thinking of the patient, the two Island EMS paramedics, their families, friends, colleagues, and all those impacted.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic motor vehicle collision involving two of our paramedics and the patient in their care.

At this time, the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Out of respect for those involved and their loved ones, we ask that our community honour those affected without speculation, but instead with compassion and patience as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

We appreciate all of the outreach from the community. Our focus is on the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have been impacted by this tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the driver involved in the collision and their family during this difficult time.

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day 🍁

Today, we’re celebrating the communities that make our country so special. However you're spending the day, we hope it's a safe and enjoyable one.

A special thank you to everyone working today to help keep our communities safe.

06/27/2026

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

It is especially common in high-stress professions such as paramedicine, where individuals respond to emergencies, support vulnerable people, and operate in high-risk environments.

Even for the most experienced and resilient professionals, repeated exposure to traumatic events over time can take a lasting toll, one that is not always visible.

On PTSD Awareness Day, we recognize both the demands of these roles and the unseen weight they carry.

Whether you have been formally diagnosed with PTSD or are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, it’s important to understand you’re not alone. Noticing these changes, both in yourself and your loved ones, can help ensure early access to support.

Learn more about PTSD and how to get help here: https://www.ptsdassociation.com/

06/12/2026

When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. During Stroke Awareness Month, we’d like to remind our communities that knowing the signs of a stroke can help you act FAST in an emergency.

Stroke can happen at any age. Recognizing the signs of stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately can mean the difference between life and death, or the difference between a better recovery and a lasting disability.
Let’s all share the FAST signs of stroke: https://bit.ly/4egUoxB.

05/25/2026

Last week, we participated in a mock mass casualty incident exercise at the Red Deer Regional Airport alongside Red Deer County Fire, Blackfalds RCMP, and Red Deer EMS.

The scenario was a plane versus truck collision on the runway, with simulated casualties.

While unsettling to imagine, these types of scenarios provide a valuable opportunity for agencies to work together, improve communication, and gain hands-on experience in challenging response situations.

05/22/2026

As Paramedic Services Week comes to an end, we’d like to once again thank our paramedics for the diligence, skills, and commitment you bring to those who rely on you.

You support one another, care for the people you serve, and continue to show up with professionalism and heart in every situation.

Thank you for the difference you make in our communities, not just this week, but throughout the entire year. 💙

05/20/2026

Nick Chaykowski’s career to paramedicine started while working as a firefighter in 2016.

After completing Firefighting and Emergency Medical Responder training at Lakeland college in 2015, he worked as a helicopter firefighter for seven years in Slave Lake and Calgary areas. In 2018 he joined the Lake Louise Fire Department, where he met the towns physician who was an Advanced Care Paramedic actively responding to calls with the crew.

“The knowledge I gained working alongside her and the values she represented made me realize that patient care was the part of the job I connected with the most. That experience inspired me to pursue my Primary Care Paramedic and continue growing within paramedicine.”

After completing his P*P in 2019 while continuing to work as a firefighter, Nick joined Medavie Health Services West, where he eventually moved in to his current role as Assistant Operational Manager.

“This progression has given me the opportunity to make an impact not only through patient care, but also by supporting the team and processes that help deliver high-quality care across the service.”

Nick credits his time in EMS with strengthening his adaptability during dynamic changes, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and problem-solving. He says leadership within both systems shaped how important it is to have strong team management and understanding of the operational system.

“I am proud of everything I have learned and what shapes me in my role today.”

Thank you, Nick, and our entire team at Medavie Health Services Central Alberta, for everything you do for your patients, your colleagues, and your communities.

05/17/2026

Medavie Health Services West Central Alberta is fortunate to have dedicated and passionate paramedics who push themselves to be the best they can be for the communities they serve.

They show up every day with care, compassion, patience, and professionalism; not just during the big moments, but in the quiet ones too.

No matter what the day brings, our paramedics lead with strength, empathy and commitment in everything they do. They are constantly learning, growing, and supporting each other so they can provide the best care possible when it matters the most.

Paramedic Services Week gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our team, but our appreciation for them goes far beyond this week. Thank you to each and every paramedic for the work that they do, the support that they give, and the difference they make in the lives of so many people.