Apparently, not illegal. He doesn't transport. He doesn't ask for money. He monitors the radio frequencies in Calgary, and will show up at the 'non-emergent' ones as a 'skilled first aid-er (advanced first aid)/first responder.' He alleges he only shows up at calls that are 'minor.'
That's going to end really badly one of these times, I'm thinking.
It's certainly weird that he didn't just join the EMS, but I don't really see the issue. If you call 911 they are still on their way, if he gets there first you have someone with advanced first aid training until EMS arrives.
As long as all the other EMS knows he exists, so they don't pull up to your house, see an ambulance and take off, thinking it is dealt with. Still, if its not emergency, do you really want to tell this guy all the issues, then 2 minutes later go through it again with real EMS?
According to the info (if you can call it that) on Calgary Reddit, he's banned from all CFD and AHS property, has only first aid certification and tried but failed the EMR course. He bought his uniform off Kijiji or Ebay and used to tootle around on a bike. He just bought this ambulance as an upgrade from the bike. How he's allowed to do this is kind of frightening.
Here's the link to the Reddit thread;
According to the info (if you can call it that) on Calgary Reddit, he's banned from all CFD and AHS property, has only first aid certification and tried but failed the EMR course. He bought his uniform off Kijiji or Ebay and used to tootle around on a bike. He just bought this ambulance as an upgrade from the bike. How he's allowed to do this is kind of frightening.
Here's the link to the Reddit thread;
maybe a dumb question - but is he actually allowed to cruise around in an ambulance?
maybe it's different in alberta, but i know a couple here in kelowna that own a first responder company for stuff way out in the sticks. they've got a pickup truck converted for transporting patients, lights, sirens, the whole bit - BUT - i know they are not allowed to use lights/sirens on city roads, only out in the mountains/logging roads (they work lots of motocross/atv type of events) i'm sure they are not allowed to respond to medical calls in the city.
i know there was also an issue in town one or two summers ago with a dukes of hazard police car. there were some guys on tour with a general lee and a hazard county police car. they were driving down the highway (not being goofs or anything - just driving) and i know the rcmp pulled them over. something to do with impersonating a peace officer.
i would think the same would apply to this guy - impersonating an actual paramedic
__________________ "...and there goes Finger up the middle on Luongo!" - Jim Hughson, Av's vs. 'Nucks
Call 911 and you might
In this rig.
