Quebec’s Rural Emergency Services Face Uncertainty After Airmedic’s Exit
After 25 years of service, Airmedic has ceased its helicopter emergency evacuation program in Quebec, sparking concern among hunters, fishermen, and those living in remote areas. The decision follows the Quebec government awarding a contract for hospital-to-hospital transport to a British Columbia-based company, leaving Airmedic to reassess its viability.
A “Beautiful Insurance Policy” Disappears
For many Quebecers, particularly those who frequent the province’s vast wilderness, Airmedic represented a crucial safety net. Dominic Dugré, CEO of the Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec, described the service as “a beautiful insurance policy.” Approximately 40 to 50 of his members relied on Airmedic for rapid evacuation in case of injury or illness.
The concern is particularly acute for older hunters who, despite their passion for the sport, may have underlying health conditions. Knowing that quick medical assistance was available provided peace of mind. Airmedic facilitated numerous evacuations annually, especially during the summer months.
The Impact of a Lost Bid
Airmedic’s decision stems from losing a bid to a British Columbia company for a government contract focused on inter-hospital helicopter transport. Raphaele Bourgault, Airmedic’s spokesperson, explained that the company arrived second with a competitive offer, but ultimately couldn’t sustain its existing fleet without the additional government support.
The new government-funded service will focus solely on transporting patients between hospitals and will not extend to rescuing individuals in remote locations like forests or hunting lodges.
Hélico Secours Now the Sole Provider
With Airmedic’s departure, Hélico Secours, a cooperative operating two helicopters, is now the sole provider of emergency evacuation services in Quebec’s remote regions. This has raised concerns about potential strain on their resources and prioritization of calls.
Charles Pinard, owner of Pourvoirie du lac Cyprès, expressed worry about the increased demand on Hélico Secours. He questioned how the cooperative would manage a surge in calls and prioritize cases, given its limited fleet. Pinard, a former Airmedic subscriber for nearly two decades, switched to Hélico Secours three years ago.
A Systemic Issue?
Pinard believes the government’s decision-making process, prioritizing the lowest bidder, has negatively impacted emergency services in remote areas. He argues that reducing the number of service providers from two to one creates a potential bottleneck and compromises accessibility to critical care.
FAQ
Q: What happened to Airmedic?
A: Airmedic ended its helicopter emergency evacuation program after losing a bid for a Quebec government contract to a company from British Columbia.
Q: Who will provide emergency evacuation services now?
A: Hélico Secours is now the sole provider of emergency evacuation services in remote areas of Quebec.
Q: Will the new government service help people in the forest?
A: No, the new service is only for transport between hospitals.
Q: What is the concern about Hélico Secours?
A: There are concerns that Hélico Secours may be overwhelmed by increased demand due to Airmedic’s departure.
Did you know? 75% of Quebec’s territory is not covered by 911 service, making emergency medical transport even more critical for those venturing into remote areas.
Pro Tip: Before heading into Quebec’s wilderness, research and understand the available emergency services and consider options for personal safety and communication.
What are your thoughts on this change? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. Explore our other articles on outdoor safety and emergency preparedness for more information.
