In 1974, the provincial government created the Emergency Health Services Commission to provide consistent emergency ambulance care across British Columbia. The government also took responsibility for all existing ambulance services. The Emergency Health Services Act laid the foundation for Canada’s first and only provincial ambulance service.

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

Over the past 50 years, our work has touched the lives of millions of patients, their families, and their communities. We are celebrating 50 years of caring by sharing 50 stories about our history, achievements, and the dedicated people who make this work possible.

As we celebrate our past, we also look ahead to a bright future.