Statement from Minister McPhee on Paramedic Services Week

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon proudly joins communities across the country in celebrating Paramedic Services Week, taking place from May 18 to 25, 2025. This week is an important opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude for the vital contributions of Yukon’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

“Yukon’s EMS team comprises more than 200 members, including paramedics and community responders, emergency response communications officers (dispatchers), nurses and support staff. Operating from 17 ambulance stations across 15 communities, these professionals deliver a broad range of pre-hospital care by providing medical interventions, treatments and critical care throughout the territory. EMS teams train regularly across the territory to maintain high standards of care wherever and whenever Yukoners need help.

“As our population grows and ages, Yukon EMS has seen a 77 per cent increase in call volume over the past five years. In 2024 alone, EMS responded to nearly 15,000 calls for service. To meet this demand, the Government of Yukon has invested in 24-hour ground and 12-hour air ambulance coverage, increased on-call honoraria for community responders and expanded both the float medic and rural support teams.

“Paramedic Services Week is a time to reflect on the importance of these services and to thank the individuals who deliver them, whether they are responding to critical emergencies by ground or air, supporting public education and outreach or providing care throughout the territory.

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I extend sincere thank you to all those working in EMS for their dedication, courage and service to Yukoners, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”