Funding for Rural and Remote Volunteer Fire Department First Responder Programs

Whereas in rural and remote areas ambulances are not able to get to medical calls in a timely manner because of distances travelled and members of community fire departments are able to arrive on scene much more quickly; And whereas when first on scene first responders of community fire departments can assist the ambulance team by accessing the patient, gathering information, taking vitals and packaging the patient prior to the ambulances arrival; And whereas community fire departments are funded through local government taxes while BC Emergency Health Services are funded through provincial monies: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Ministry of Health to provide funding for pre-hospital care equipment, training, and call out pay for fire department first responder programs.