Manitoba seeks new air ambulance provider

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This article was published 06/05/2022 (1222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba is starting a public-tender process for a new air ambulance service.

Late Friday afternoon, the province announced it is issuing a request for proposals from private providers of airplane and helicopter medical transportation. It will give priority to businesses that can supply newer aircraft with reliable, 24/7 service.

All air ambulances need to be able to handle critically ill patients, including specialty care such as bariatric stretchers and neonatal incubators, the province acknowledged in a news release.

“Our government is committed to enhancing critical care capacity in Manitoba and a modern medical aviation fleet is a vital component of this service,” said Gordon. “This request for proposals will ensure standardized and universal care among air ambulances, and help to build a more modern critical care service that supports the evolving needs of all Manitobans,” reads the statement from Health Minister Audrey Gordon.

Proposals for a multi-year air ambulance contract will be accepted until Sept. 9.

The announcement comes after air ambulance service in Manitoba was criticized following the death of a 31-year-old mother from Ebb and Flow First Nation.

Krystal Mousseau died on May 25, 2021 following a failed airlift attempt in Brandon via a privately contracted aircraft service. She was a COVID-19 patient who was considered stable enough for transport. In March, Manitoba’s chief medical examiner declined to call an inquest into Mousseau’s death.

The NDP raised concerns about the government’s decision to open the public-tender process and further privatize medical transportation services. The opposition party has also objected to the decision not to call an inquest, saying a public inquiry is necessary in Mousseau’s death.

In a statement responding to the request for proposals, NDP Leader Wab Kinew said questions about patient safety need to be answered before the tender process goes ahead.

“The PC government announcement to continue privatizing medical aviation services is deeply concerning. There are serious unanswered questions about whether the government is ensuring patient safety and medical standards are being met.

“These questions should be addressed prior to this RFP process moving forward. The pandemic showed the importance of putting patient safety and standards first when medical transportation is at issue. We should be investing in public medical aviation services that put patient safety first,” Kinew stated.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca