Ambulance crash near Tumbler Ridge raises concerns about emergency care

An ambulance slid into a ditch near Tumbler Ridge during a snowstorm; no one was seriously hurt and health services say the incident is under review.

An ambulance transporting a patient from Tumbler Ridge slid into a ditch on Highway 52 during a snowstorm on Jan. 3. B.C. Emergency Health Services reported no serious injuries and said a second ambulance completed the patient transfer. The crash has highlighted concerns about after-hours emergency care since the local emergency room lost evening and weekend services in September due to a doctor shortage. Known details: - The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. PT on Jan. 3 and the patient and two paramedics on board were not seriously hurt, BCEHS said. - BCEHS said the ambulance involved is being repaired, the event is under review, and a different unit is now in service in Tumbler Ridge. - Northern Health has stationed two ambulances in Tumbler Ridge for after-hours calls while it works to recruit doctors and restore local emergency room services, and Mayor Darryl Krakowka expressed concern that the temporary arrangement could become permanent. Summary: The crash has underscored local concerns about patient and responder safety and the effects of reduced emergency-room hours in this remote community. Undetermined at this time.