Edmonton ambulances get speed warning

Edmonton's paramedics have been told to slow down and are getting tickets for speeding.

A memo sent by Alberta Health Services toEmergency Medical Servicesworkers on Wednesday directed drivers "to respond within the posted speed limits even when responding with lights and siren."

"It just doesn't make a lot of sense," said Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which representsEMS workers.

The union leader said the policy doesn't respect the experience and judgment of those behind the wheel and could end up costing lives.

"So, what, I'm called to a call where a child is choking, and because I can't go past 50 kilometres an hour, I make way for the fire engine who is going to get there before the trained paramedics?"asked Ballermann.

Driversticketed: union

"EMS staff is encourage to stay within the posted speed limits as much as possible," said AHS spokeswoman Sheila Rougeau.

"Our job is to save lives, not put them in jeopardy. And we know when we're driving at high speeds and darting through traffic there is a higher risk of collisions."

AHS clarified the memoFriday, saying it was OK for drivers in some instances and when it's safe to break the speed limit.

"There are times, in extenuating circumstances, were we need to get somewhere as quickly as possible. In those circumstances, absolutely speed may be elevated," Rougeau said.

She added that time is crucial in only a fraction of EMS calls.

Edmonton paramedics are also getting ticketed for going through red lights and speeding. The union said that started happening after AHS took over ambulance services last year.