May 25, 2020

Honourable Minister of Health 423 Legislature Building 10800 – 97 Avenue , AB T5K 2B6

Sent via email to: [email protected]

Re: Helicopter Air Lift Operation Funding

Dear Minister Shandro,

Helicopter Air Lift Operation (HALO) medevac service has operated in southeastern , based in , since 2007. HALO provides air ambulance services to areas of Alberta that are outside of STARS’ range from their base in . STARS is supported by a 10-year funding agreement with the Government of Alberta, while HALO is funded on a fee for service basis with occasional lump sum financial contributions from the province.

RMA members endorsed resolution 14-19F: Provincial Funding for Regional Air Ambulance, which states:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request that the Government of Alberta provide funds to locally- and regionally-operated emergency response air ambulance services at the same ratio as Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) funding;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Alberta commissions an independent review, which includes engagement with the public, industry stakeholders and municipalities across Alberta, of the helicopter emergency medical services system in Alberta.

The initial response from Alberta Health to this resolution stated that HALO does not provide the same level of service as STARS; however, RMA has learned that HALO is capable of operating 24 hours per day, and that critical care level of services may not be the most effective metric to base funding decisions on. Alberta Health indicated a review was underway for the provision of air ambulance services. RMA is requesting an update on this review, specifically on funding for regional air ambulances capable of providing an equivalent level of service to STARS.

Because HALO is largely funded by donations, which have been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, there is an imminent need for a new funding arrangement. I am requesting the following actions be taken by your Ministry:

• That short-term emergency operational funding support for HALO be provided to ensure they can remain operational for six months; • That a meaningful consultation with medevac operators, municipalities and other stakeholders on rural helicopter EMS service, including the funding model be undertaken, and • That an agreement be established between HALO and the Government of Alberta to identify a meaningful, sustainable funding model that provides provincial support for a portion of HALO’s ongoing operating costs, similar to the funding models for other helicopter medevac services.

Regional air ambulance services like HALO provide life saving services to areas of the province not covered by STARS. It is vital that these services are funded in a manner consistent with other air ambulance services. I look forward to your response on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

Al Kemmere, President cc: , MLA for Drumheller-Stettler and Chair of Southern Alberta Rural Caucus ([email protected])

Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika ([email protected])

Shannon Phillips, MLA for -West ([email protected])

Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East ([email protected])

Hon. , MLA for Taber-Warner and Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction ([email protected])

Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat ([email protected])

Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat ([email protected])