Emergency calls

Next Generation 9-1-1 will allow users to text emergencies in promising to revolutionize emergency dispatching. But it will also generate additional costs and UBCM delegates are calling on the province to introduce a call-answer levy on cellphones to help generate the necessary revenues. (Black Press Media file photo)

Next Generation 9-1-1 promises B.C. emergency dispatching revolution

E-Comm compares incoming emergency response system to replacing rotary phones with smart phones

 

Persistent flames leapt out of the rubble of what was once Prince George's most popular Greek restaurant, after the long abandoned building exploded at about 7 a.m. Aug. 22. (Frank Peebles photo - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)

Morning blast destroys abandoned Prince George restaurant

Many other nearby structures damaged, three people injured

 

A phone displaying the dialed emergency number 9-1-1. Service disruptions in northern British Columbia over the weekend briefly affected accessibility to this crucial lifeline. (Black Press Media file photo)

Emergency 9-1-1 lines disrupted in northern B.C. now restored

Weekend 9-1-1 service disruption comes amidst communication line damages in N.W.T. due to wildfires

 

Rescue crews in Gold Creek. (The News files)

Pair survives going over waterfall in Golden Ears Park

Maple Ridge first responders rescue injured man, woman made it to shore

Rescue crews in Gold Creek. (The News files)
Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog discuss details of Bill C-345, which aims to improve protection against violence for all first responders, during a press conference at Nanaimo Fire Rescue Station No. 1 on Wednesday, June 28. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

B.C. MPs push bill to protect firefighters and paramedics from violence

Bill calls for stiffer penalties for anyone who assaults or threatens safety of first responders

Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog discuss details of Bill C-345, which aims to improve protection against violence for all first responders, during a press conference at Nanaimo Fire Rescue Station No. 1 on Wednesday, June 28. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Province rings up $1.6 million to rattle British Columbians about smoke alarms

Smoke alarms can cut risk of death by 50 per cent, but not enough homes in B.C. have them

Ascent Helicopters owner Trent Lemke excited to have landed a major contract with Emergency Health Services. (PQN News file photo)

Parksville helicopter company wins $544-million B.C. air ambulance contract

Ascent Helicopters to purchase 7 new aircraft to be located in major B.C. centres

Ascent Helicopters owner Trent Lemke excited to have landed a major contract with Emergency Health Services. (PQN News file photo)
The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Cameron River wildfire (G80175) located approximately 74 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John. As shown in this recent handout image. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service)

Summer-like B.C. already at ‘core fire season’ in parts of the province

Head of BC Wildfire Service expects fire hazard to spread from the north to southern regions

The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Cameron River wildfire (G80175) located approximately 74 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John. As shown in this recent handout image. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service)
An ambulance sits outside of the Port Clements Medical Centre in June, 2022. (Photo: Kaitlyn Bailey/Haida Gwaii Observer)

Masset’s mayor worries ambulance shortage will exacerbate emergency room closures

Northern Health is planning for potential emergency room closures

An ambulance sits outside of the Port Clements Medical Centre in June, 2022. (Photo: Kaitlyn Bailey/Haida Gwaii Observer)
A paramedic is seen outside ambulances parked at the entrance to the emergency department at Richmond General Hospital, in Richmond, B.C., on November 27, 2022. The vast majority of B.C. paramedics and emergency dispatchers voted to approve a new three-year deal on Jan. 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. paramedics, dispatchers ratify new 3-year contract with overwhelming support

Permanent on-call wage increase, new $1,000 mental health benefit among changes

A paramedic is seen outside ambulances parked at the entrance to the emergency department at Richmond General Hospital, in Richmond, B.C., on November 27, 2022. The vast majority of B.C. paramedics and emergency dispatchers voted to approve a new three-year deal on Jan. 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Roots, tree trunks and mud pile up against a parkade that collapsed in a mudslide at the 700 block of South Island Highway in Campbell River Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror

Condos evacuated after parkades ‘came down’ in Campbell River mudslide

No cars damaged when parkades come crashing down near row of homes alongside the Island Highway

Roots, tree trunks and mud pile up against a parkade that collapsed in a mudslide at the 700 block of South Island Highway in Campbell River Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror
(Jamie Davis/Twitter)

Highway Thru Hell star Jamie Davis in crash on B.C. Highway

No one was injured in the multi-vehicle crash on Highway 5

(Jamie Davis/Twitter)
A B.C. Ambulance Service paramedic moves a stretcher outside an ambulance at Royal Columbia Hospital, in New Westminster on Nov. 29, 2020. The paramedics union has reached a tentative new agreement with BCEHS and the province as of Jan. 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. paramedics union, province agree on tentative new contract

Members will decide whether to ratify it or not over coming weeks

A B.C. Ambulance Service paramedic moves a stretcher outside an ambulance at Royal Columbia Hospital, in New Westminster on Nov. 29, 2020. The paramedics union has reached a tentative new agreement with BCEHS and the province as of Jan. 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
E-Comm dispatcher Rachelle Carlow at the new South Island 9-1-1 E-Comm Centre in Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)

Kids drawing with chalk among B.C.’s most ridiculous 911 calls of 2022

Dispatchers also heard from callers with car troubles and someone who got their phone stuck in a bench

E-Comm dispatcher Rachelle Carlow at the new South Island 9-1-1 E-Comm Centre in Saanich. (Black Press Media file photo)
Multiple fake emergency calls have been sent out by Apple products in rural B.C. areas in the last couple of weeks. (Kimberley SAR/Special to The News)

B.C. search and rescue warns nature goers about relying on tech in the wilderness

Reminder comes amidst rise in false emergency calls being sent by Apple products

Multiple fake emergency calls have been sent out by Apple products in rural B.C. areas in the last couple of weeks. (Kimberley SAR/Special to The News)
(E-Comm911/Facebook)

Can you order me a taxi? Nuisance 911 calls to Kelowna RCMP in 2022

Neighbours cutting grass, playing video games among nuisances

(E-Comm911/Facebook)
(Josh Berson photo)

Kelowna to have only 7 ambulances after BC Emergency Health Services cuts

The Union of Ambulance Paramedics in B.C. say Kelowna could experience longer wait times.

(Josh Berson photo)
Rick Boehm, Thornhill and regional district fire chief, with the department’s new ladder truck. (File photo)

Remote northwest B.C. community left without a fire department due to volunteer shortage

Almost 200 homes in Dease Lake will have to fend for themselves in case of fire

Rick Boehm, Thornhill and regional district fire chief, with the department’s new ladder truck. (File photo)
An ambulance sits outside of the Port Clements Medical Centre. Rural communities across B.C. are facing difficulties recruiting paramedics. (Photo: Kaitlyn Bailey/Haida Gwaii Observer)

Bella Coola ambulance service had coverage for only half of July

BC Emergency Health Services are flying in locum placements to cover unfilled positions

An ambulance sits outside of the Port Clements Medical Centre. Rural communities across B.C. are facing difficulties recruiting paramedics. (Photo: Kaitlyn Bailey/Haida Gwaii Observer)
The Union of B.C. Municipalities wants B.C.’s hospitals, emergency rooms, and ambulance services are open and available to 24 hours a day. Josh Berson photo

Communities make plea for urgent action to address B.C.’s emergency care crisis

UBCM delegates pass special resolution calling for more government support as ERs face closures

The Union of B.C. Municipalities wants B.C.’s hospitals, emergency rooms, and ambulance services are open and available to 24 hours a day. Josh Berson photo