To standardize emergency ambulance care throughout BC, the provincial government created the Emergency Health Services Commission in 1974 and assumed responsibility for all existing ambulances services. The Emergency Health Services Act was the cornerstone legislation for the creation of Canada’s first and only provincial ambulance service.

July 1st, 2024 marks the start of the 50th year of British Columbia’s provincial ambulance service. With more than 6,200 employees (and growing), BCEHS is one of the largest ambulance services in North America.

Over half a century, our work has impacted the lives of millions of patients, as well as their families and communities. We are celebrating 50 years of caring with 50 stories about our past, our achievements and our amazing employees. 

We are honouring our past and looking forward to a very bright future.