B.C. paramedics union calls for safety measures after alleged attack inside ambulance station

The union representing about 4,500 B.C. ambulance paramedics is calling on the provincial ambulance service to better protect employees following an alleged attack inside an ambulance station in downtown Kelowna.

Ian Tait, communications director for the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C, said a paramedic was washing an ambulance in the station on Lawrence Avenue Tuesday morning when a woman walked into the ambulance bay brandishing a knife.

"She was really, really upset and making lots of accusations and screaming and brandishing the knife," Tait said. "It's a scary situation for everybody involved."

According to Tait, the paramedic was able to keep her at a distance until others in the building helped diffuse the situation. Nobody was injured. 

But he said the incident underscores the way some health responders are starting to feel unsafe at work. The union is calling on B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) to invest in new ambulance stations and improve existing facilities so paramedics feel safer on the job. 

"We need to be able to wash an ambulance without someone being able to walk in with a knife completely unchecked because there's not enough fencing," he said, adding staff frequently report seeing small fires near the station and have to clear tents away from the driveway. 

Leanne Heppell, BCEHS's executive vice president and chief ambulance officer, confirmed the incident. She said since Tuesday, BCEHS has added more security protocols and is also looking into long-term measures to improve security at the station.

She did not specify what measures the emergency health service provider would take. 

"Violence against anyone is unacceptable, and we are grateful that the paramedic involved was not physically injured," she said in an email. 

"This was a very frightening and upsetting incident for our staff, and we are providing them with the necessary support."

Heppell added the BCEHS is working with police and asks anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Kelowna RCMP. 

In an email to CBC News Friday, Kelowna RCMP confirmed they are investigating. 

The alleged incident comes months after a paramedic was attacked on Pandora Avenue while on the job in downtown Victoria.

The incident led to the city to draw up plans for police escorts for first responders to the area, a city council decision to enforce a ban on setting up tents there and foot patrols by police officers.