Ambulance services in Prince Edward Island have a unique history where funeral homes played a significant role in providing urgent medical assistance. This lesser-known aspect of Island’s past is the focus of a newly released book titled “Answering the Call: The People and Stories of P.E.I. Ambulance Services.”
Co-authored by former P.E.I. paramedic Sandy MacQuarrie and Islander Sylvia Poirier, the book delves into the evolution of ambulance services, spanning a century starting from around 1905 when the Island’s first ambulance service operated in Charlottetown. The transition from funeral homes primarily handling ambulance services to the establishment of organized ambulance operations is detailed in the book.
Through interviews with former ambulance staff, archival research, and personal accounts, the authors shed light on the transformation of ambulance services in P.E.I. Over the years, the services progressed from basic pickup and delivery to more professional and standardized care. The book captures stories of compassion and empathy exhibited by those involved in early ambulance services on the Island.
The narrative also highlights the collaborative yet competitive nature of ambulance services in different regions of P.E.I. Funeral homes gradually phased out of ambulance operations by the 1980s, paving the way for specialized ambulance-only services. The push towards professionalization, including the introduction of first-aid training and purpose-built ambulances, marked a significant shift in the industry.
In 2005, Island EMS took over as the sole ambulance provider in the province following a provincial study recommending a single operator. The book serves as a tribute to Sylvia Poirier, who played a pivotal role in advancing paramedicine education in P.E.I. Despite facing health challenges, Poirier’s dedication to completing the book underscored her commitment to preserving the history of ambulance services on the Island.