Recent reports indicating the Elie ambulance station is among those to be closed as part of a provincial government overhaul of the EMS system has raised concerns in the RM of Cartier.

Cartier Reeve Dale Fossay says while the Rural Municipality has yet to receive official word from the province, it would be a great concern for the community if the Elie station does close.

“For the last 20 years there has been an ambulance stationed in Elie,” Fossay explains. “It's stationed courtesy one of our buildings. We let them stay there at no charge. If we lose this service there would be great disappointment in the community for sure.”

A potential increase in response times is the largest concern, Fossay notes.

“From our information, the closest (EMS stations) would be either Portage la Prairie or Oak Bluff,” the RM of Cartier Reeve says. “From minutes away to up to 40 minutes. That's a huge difference; if that is what's planned.”

In addition to being the primary EMS service provider for the communities of St. Eustache and Elie, Fossay points out the Elie ambulance station also serves the Trans-Canada Highway. Paramedics from the Elie station are often first responders when winter motor-vehicle incidents occur in that area.

“Not having the ambulance respond quickly will just add further to the volunteers who respond from our fire department,” adds Fossay. “Usually they're tasked with looking after traffic control. Now if they're going to have to look after someone who's injured in a car accident, that just adds to their workload.”

“So that's a great concern,” continues Fossay. “Not just to the local people. It should be to the travelling public as well.”