QUICK SUMMARY
Health Minister Josie Osborne announced a review following the death of an infant in Interior B.C. due to delays in arranging an airlift to Vancouver. The incident raised concerns about the transport protocols and jurisdictional conflicts between B.C. and Alberta's air ambulance services.
Health Minister Josie Osborne confirmed a review after an infant died at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in late January due to airlift delays. BC Emergency Health Services provided care on scene before transporting the infant to Vancouver, but the timeline of the child's death remains unclear. Mayor David Wilks expressed that the tragedy could have been avoided, citing jurisdictional restrictions that prevent Alberta’s STAR air ambulance service from entering B.C. for patient transport. Osborne is set to meet with Alberta's Ministry of Health to clarify urgent infant transfer protocols and improve interprovincial collaboration. The incident highlights significant challenges in accessing critical care in rural regions of B.C. Wilks emphasized that current rules complicate airlift logistics, risking patient lives. He called for a reevaluation of policies to prioritize patient needs over bureaucratic barriers. The review aims to identify systemic issues and ensure timely medical transport in future emergencies.