Patients may be offered a taxi rather than an ambulance in Edmonton and Calgary: EHS

An ambulance is seen in Calgary. (FILE)

Some patients may be offered a taxi to the emergency room instead of an ambulance in Edmonton and Calgary as part of a six-month pilot project.

A news release from Emergency Health Services-Alberta (EHS) says starting Thursday, low-acuity callers in who are advised by a registered nurse at Health Link 811 to see a doctor within 24 hours may be offered a taxi service to the nearest hospital emergency department or urgent care centre if they do not have another way to get there.

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The health agency said the taxi ride would come at no cost to the patient.

“We are improving patient care while protecting ambulance availability for the patients who need us most,” said EHS interim managing director Trevor Maslyk in the release. “Patients will have timely access to the appropriate level of care.

“Ambulances will remain available for critical, life-threatening emergencies. This will reduce system strain, improve efficiency and strengthen our ability to meet performance targets.”

Cab rides will be arranged by Health Link for eligible patients who can safely walk on their own, do not require assessment by paramedics and are over the age of 18. Return transportation will be the patient’s responsibility.

If the six-month pilot project is successful, it may expand to other communities in the province.

EHS said more than one-third of the 50,000 911 directed to Health Link were sent back to 911 for non-emergency ambulance transport in 2023.