B.C. Emergency Health Services is bringing an influx of first responders to the mid-Island region, creating 30 full-time paramedic positions in response to the area’s high number of patient transfers and its volume of 911 calls.

Nanaimo will have 24 new full-time paramedics, doubling its current capacity. Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith will each receive two full time positions, bringing the total number of paramedics in the region to 60. Three ambulances are also being added to the region.

New paramedics for