NAT van to take pressure off of Taber ambulance

The Taber area could see relief for some of the pressure put on ambulances in the area with the addition of a new non-ambulance transfer van.

The NAT van is wheelchair accessible and is now in service alongside five other NAT vans in operation in the AHS South Zone. These vans transfer 1,500 patients annually in the southwest portion of the South Zone. There are 23 NAT vans in operation across the province.

The new Taber-area van could take as many as 400 annual trips, or about 20 per cent of the call volume for ambulances in the Taber area.

The van was purchased by Taber and District Health Foundation with funds donated by Francesco Cemulini prior to his passing on June 1. Cemulini had made use of a NAT van based out of Raymond, and his brother has stated Cemulini believed the service would be good for the Taber area as well.

The $75,000 Cemulini donation covered the cost of the van, while AHS paid to equip it.

NAT vans transport patients between healthcare facilities for specialist consults, diagnostics and procedures. Previously, ground ambulances would be used for these scheduled, low-risk patient transfers.

NAT vans are staffed by emergency medical responders and are equipped with automated electronic defibrillators, first-aid kits and GPS and communications equipment. They can accommodate four seated passengers or two passengers in wheelchairs.

“We are fortunate to have ongoing community support for our health care and patients,” stated Kerry Van Ham, chairman of Taber and District Health Foundation, in a news release. “This is a crucial service, not only in freeing up ambulances for priority trips, but helping our patients who might not have family or alternative transportation to medical appointments.”

“The NAT vans provide an appropriate level of care and service for thousands of patients every year,” stated Tony Pasich, director of EMS for AHS South Zone, in the release. “They also keep fully equipped ambulances and Emergency Medical Services crews available in the community for patients who need a higher level of care.”

The vans have been operating in the South Zone since 2013. Other vans in the zone are located in Raymond, Fort Macleod, Cardston and two in Brooks.