EDMONTON- Alberta MLAs took part in an emergency debate Thursday afternoon, discussing the transfer of medevac services to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA).
The new air ambulance base at EIA will open Friday, ending medevac service to the City Centre Airport.
Opposition members say the government has not gone through the proper consultation process, and are calling on the province to put the move on hold.
"Let's not rush the decision. The airport is not being functionally closed tomorrow, so why are we rushing?" said Wildrose MLA Shane Saskiw.
Saskiw is concerned about the increased time the move will add to ambulance rides.
"The switch from the downtown Edmonton airport to the Edmonton International Airport will add between 40 and 50 minutes to every emergency call," Saskiw said Thursday. "In these critical situations, this increased wait time can, and doctors say will, mean the difference between life and death."
However, several PC MLAs believe the public is being misled.
Health Minister Fred Horne maintains service at the new facility will be enhanced with most patient transfers done inside the hangar, on the tarmac as is the current procedure at the City Centre Airport. An additional EMS paramedic will now also accompany critical patients to area hospitals.
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