10/29/2025
RELEASE: Southwest Regional Ambulance Committee Making Strides in Strengthening Rural EMS Services
The Southwest Regional Ambulance Committee, representing the Town of Shaunavon and Town of Eastend, and the RMs of White Valley No. 49, Grassy Creek No. 78, Arlington No. 79, and Bone Creek No. 108, is proud to share the progress being made since the committee officially formed in February 2025.
Formed to address ongoing EMS staffing challenges and advocate for stable, sustainable emergency medical services across the southwest, the committee’s collaboration and continued advocacy are already making a difference.
Since its formation, the committee has worked closely with the Saskatchewan Ministers of Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and local partners, and is proud to share that several important milestones have been achieved:
- Expanded EMS coverage in the region, with positions increased from two 0.33 to two full-time equivalent roles at 0.67 each.
- Improved Eastend ambulance staffing, with 2 full-time EMRs now serving the community. These EMRs are utilizing the housing benefit in Eastend.
- Enhanced ambulance availability in Eastend, now operating 14 days each month.
- Supported recruitment success in Shaunavon, where two new Primary Care Paramedics (P*Ps) have been hired — resulting in two ambulances now running in Shaunavon.
- Sparked strong engagement through the EMS & EMR Career Incentive Program, with many inquiries from individuals interested in EMR training, showing a positive sign for continued regional recruitment.
“These milestones show the power of regional cooperation,” said Donald Lundberg, Reeve of RM of Arlington. “By working together, our communities are seeing real progress toward stronger, more sustainable rural EMS services.”
Looking ahead, the committee remains focused on advocating to fill the remaining open EMS positions in Shaunavon and Eastend, including two 0.67 Primary Care Paramedic (P*P) positions in each community. The committee will continue to actively promote the available incentives and highlight the exceptional quality of life in Shaunavon and Eastend as part of its ongoing efforts to support recruitment.
In addition, the committee plans to maintain a visible presence at career expos and high school events, encouraging and inspiring the next generation of rural EMS professionals.
The EMS & EMR Career Incentive Program, launched earlier this year, continues to offer up to $20,000 in recruitment funding, bursaries for high school students, and training support for future EMRs, helping build a resilient emergency response system across the Southwest.
Learn more about the program and application details:
👉 shaunavon.com/page/ems-career-incentives
👉 townofeastend.com/p/emr-emt-incentives-bursaries
Image L to R: Pam Bahnuick (Shaunavon Councillor), Val Bidaux (Eastend Councillor), Rosa Vázquez (Eastend Economic Development Officer), Anna Robertson (Shaunavon Director of Communications & Tourism), Cayden Nicolson (Primary Care Paramedic)