Stories

In 2024, we celebrated 50 years of caring for British Columbians. We proudly reflected on half a century of dedication and service. Over the year, we shared some of the remarkable stories that have shaped our journey to where we stand today.
​​Understanding our history helps us appreciate where we have come from, an where we're going as we progress into the future.

During our 50th anniversary year we shared stories and the history of the BC Ambulance Service. We have evolved from a disorganized mosaic of private, public, and charitable ambulance services around BC and into one of the world's largest pre-hospital paramedic organizations, providing care to 5 million British Columbians spread across nearly 1 million square kilometres of city, farm-land, mountains, and ocean.

To the right under the 'Stories', you'll find stories that will give you an in-depth look at our history and our people.

 

 

50 - Chief Ambulance Officer Leanne Heppell: Leading the Work of BCEHS<img alt="" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/planned-events/Leanne-Heppell-Fallen-Paramedics-Memorial-decade-anniversary-2025.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />50 - Chief Ambulance Officer Leanne Heppell: Leading the Work of BCEHSBC Emergency Health Services’ Chief Ambulance Officer Leanne Heppell leads the largest pre-hospital emergency medical health services organization in North America.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/chief-ambulance-officer-leanne-heppell2025-07-08 7:00:00 AM
49 - How BCEHS Supports Major Events<img alt="Swifties exchanging bracelets with paramedics" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/planned-events/Taylor-Swift-event-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />49 - How BCEHS Supports Major EventsAcross British Columbia, the BCEHS Planned Events team helps keep people safe by providing expert emergency care at over 500 major events each year across British Columbia.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/supporting-major-events2025-07-04 7:00:00 AM
48 - Celebrating the BCEHS Indigenous Health Team<img alt="Indigenous Cultural Advisors - Who we are and what we do - by Michelle Buchholz" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/celebrating-bcehs-indigenous-health-team/BCEHS%20Indigenous%20Cultural%20Advisors%20graphic%20by%20Michelle%20Buchholz.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />48 - Celebrating the BCEHS Indigenous Health TeamBCEHS is committed to eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and embedding cultural safety and humility within our organization to improve health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples and First Nation communities, patients, and employees.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/bcehs-indigenous-health-team2025-06-30 7:00:00 AM
47 - The Moose Pin<img alt="Baby moose" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/Moose-story-feature-web.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />47 - The Moose PinA northern tale of compassion, care, and one unforgettable call.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/the-moose-pin2025-06-26 7:00:00 AM
46 - Pride at BCEHS<img alt="2025 Kamloops Pride celebrations" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/pride-at-bcehs/Pride-BCEHS-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />46 - Pride at BCEHSThe BCEHS Pride journey has been defined by advocacy, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/pride-at-bcehs2025-06-19 7:00:00 AM
45 - Behind the Scenes in Logistics Operations<img alt="Ambulance bay" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/Ambulance-bay-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />45 - Behind the Scenes in Logistics OperationsAcross B.C., there is a dedicated team of logistics operations staff who keep the ambulance service running smoothly.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/behind-the-scenes-logistics-operations2025-06-13 7:00:00 AM
44 - Decades of Dedication: Bob’s Lasting Impact on Paramedicine<img alt="" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/Bob-Chamberlain-helicopter-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />44 - Decades of Dedication: Bob’s Lasting Impact on ParamedicineReflecting on a journey shaped by humility and integrity.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/bob-chamberlain-lasting-impact-on-paramedicine2025-06-05 7:00:00 AM
43 - From Patient to Paramedic: An Unexpected Journey to Paramedicine<img alt="BCEHS Primary Care Paramedic Andrew Griffith on Galiano Island" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/Andrew-Griffiths-PCP-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />43 - From Patient to Paramedic: An Unexpected Journey to ParamedicinePeople take many paths into paramedicine. Andrew Griffith couldn't have predicted that his daily commute to work would result in both a dislocated shoulder and a career change.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/from-patient-to-paramedic2025-05-29 7:00:00 AM
42 - Chief Ambulance Officer’s Commendation for Excellence in Adversity Celebrates Exceptional Employees<img alt="" src="/50-years/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/CAO-Vancouver-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />42 - Chief Ambulance Officer’s Commendation for Excellence in Adversity Celebrates Exceptional EmployeesThe Chief Ambulance Officer’s Commendation for Excellence in Adversity honours those who go above and beyond, delivering outstanding service in the face of adversity.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/cao-commendation-for-excellence-in-adversity2025-05-21 7:00:00 AM
41 - A Decade of Remembrance<img alt="2025 Fallen Paramedics Memorial Ceremony May 6" src="/about-site/PublishingImages/about/news-stories/stories/2025-Fallen-Paramedics-Memorial---Ceremony-feature.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />41 - A Decade of Remembrance2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Fallen Paramedics Memorial.https://www.bcehs.ca/about/news-stories/50-years-of-caring/stories/a-decade-of-remembrance2025-05-06 7:00:00 AM