What are the ambulance staffing issues in Tumbler Ridge?

Ambulance shifts in Tumbler Ridge are not always fully staffed, with one ambulance's shifts filled 92% of the time and the second only 83% from September to December 2025.

Why did Tumbler Ridge reduce emergency department hours?

The emergency department hours in Tumbler Ridge were reduced starting in September 2025 due to a shortage of doctors.

What is Mayor Darryl Krakowka's concern about emergency services?

Mayor Krakowka is concerned that unfilled ambulance shifts and potential redeployment of ambulances to other areas put residents at risk, especially with reduced ER availability.

Home / Health / Tumbler Ridge Ambulance Gaps Spark Safety Fears

Tumbler Ridge Ambulance Gaps Spark Safety Fears

21 Jan

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Summary

Ambulance shifts in Tumbler Ridge are not always fully staffed.
Community faces reduced emergency department hours since September.
Mayor expresses serious concerns over patient safety and care.

Tumbler Ridge Ambulance Gaps Spark Safety Fears

New data indicates significant concerns regarding ambulance staffing levels in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. These issues arise months after the local emergency department reduced its operating hours in September due to a persistent doctor shortage.

Mayor Darryl Krakowka highlighted that while a second ambulance was promised to compensate for the ER closures, data from B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) shows shifts for this second ambulance were filled only 83% of the time between September and December 2025. This means the community sometimes lacks adequate emergency medical coverage.

BCEHS stated they hired 10 paramedics to staff the additional ambulance and that crews responded to 194 calls between September 2025 and January 2026. However, Mayor Krakowka remains concerned that paramedics are being pulled to assist in other regions, further depleting local resources. Northern Health is actively working to recruit doctors and nurses, with a new doctor expected in spring 2027, but immediate solutions are needed.