History

Horse drawn VGH Ambulance in 1902

​Ambulance services in British Columbia began in the early 1900s. 

At that time, many different groups provided emergency medical services. These included private companies, local governments, volunteer fire departments, and even funeral homes. Some services received partial funding from municipalities, while others depended on public subscriptions.

Because so many different providers operated independently, service quality varied widely. Response times differed greatly. There was little control over staffing levels or employee qualifications. As a result, patient care, equipment quality and service standards were inconsistent.

Training and patient care standards were mostly absent. Each provider decided these based on its own financial resources.

To learn more about the history of ambulance service in BC, visit our 50th anniversary page. It shares stories about our past, our achievements and our employees.

 
The Foulkes Report (1970)

Dr. R. G. Foulkes, a physician and hospital administrator, created the Health Security for British Columbians report for the minister of health. This report identified many problems in the health care system at the time and suggested solutions. 

The report's main recommendation was clear: the Province of British Columbia should take responsibility for all ambulance services, including those run by private companies and municipalities. It called for all services to be combined under one system instead of being run by many different groups. 

Amalgamation of ambulance service (1974)

After the Foulkes report, the government passed the Health Emergency Act (HEA). This law created the Emergency Health Services Commission (EHSC), which acted on behalf of the government.

The EHSC received the legal authority to provide high-quality, consistent pre-hospital emergency medical services across the province. This lead to the creation of the provincial BC Ambulance Service (BCAS). 

Transition period (1974-1980)

From 1974 to 1980, BCAS went through a transition period. During this time, it introduced training and patient care guidelines. It also resolved disputes between service areas.

BCAS expanded services by:

  • Introducing advanced life support units in several communities
  • Creating the Infant Transport Team to care for newborns, children and high-risk maternity patients during transport
  • Setting up centralized dispatch and communications centres
  • Integrating air ambulance services with ground ambulances
  • Expanding service to remote communities that previously had no emergency medical care

 

Two key leaders helped create BCAS: Dr. Peter Ransford and Carson Smith.

Dr. Peter Ransford

Dr. Ransford, a pediatric physician, played an important role in developing emergency medical transport systems. He worked on many local and national committees focused on care for critically ill and injured patients.

His work as a subject matter expert for the Foulkes report helped shape the foundation of BCAS. In 2008, he received the Order of BC for his contributions.

Dr. Ransford passed away on June 12, 2012. BCAS honours his important role in its history.

Carson Smith

Carson Smith owned the Metropolitan Ambulance Service in Vancouver, the largest private ambulance provider in BC at the time.

His deep understanding of emergency medical services made him a key partner in building BCAS. Together, he and Dr. Ransford helped untie many separate ambulance providers into one provincial system.

BCAS took over private and volunteer services. Municipal fire departments continued providing emergency care through agreements with BCAS.

 

Since its creation, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) has grown into a single, unified system. The service is decentralized but organized in a way that improves efficiency, effectiveness and quality of care.

Over time, BCAS has expanded to serve communities farther from  major population centres like the Lower Mainland and Victoria. 

Many early stories from BCAS have been passed down over the years. Some early staff members are still with the service today, helping carry forward the vision of its founders.

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On July 1, 2024, British Columbia's provincial ambulance service began its 50th year.

Today, BCEHS employs more than 6,200 people and continues to grow. It is one of the largest ambulance services in North America.

Over the past 50 years, BCEHS has cared for millions of patients and supported their families and communities. To mark this milestone, we are sharing 50 stories about our history, achievements and staff. 

Visit our 50th anniversary page to explore these stories and learn more about BCEHS and the people who built it.