The BCEHS Critical Care Transport (CCT) Program provides specialized emergency care and transport for critically ill or injured patients throughout British Columbia.
The program is the second busiest of its kind in North America. In 2024, CCT paramedics transported 6,681 patients by air ambulance and 1,724 by ground ambulance. Critical care paramedics work from bases across the province, including Prince George, Richmond, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo and Vancouver. As of December 31, 2024, BCEHS employs more than 100 critical care and infant transport paramedics.
Infant Transport Team paramedics are based at
BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. They complete advanced training and provide emergency medical care for newborns, children and high-risk obstetric patients.
Critical care and infant transport paramedics use specially equipped helicopters, airplanes and ground ambulances to deliver advanced care during transport. They bring critical care services directly to the patient, helping ensure that patients receive specialized treatment while travelling to hospital.
The BCEHS Aviation Services program helps connect hospitals and referral centres across British Columbia. It transports patients who need a higher level of care than is available at their current location.
BCEHS operates a dedicated fleet of 15 air ambulances:
- Vancouver: 3 airplanes and 2 helicopters
- Nanaimo: 1 helicopter
- Kamloops: 1 helicopter
- Kelowna: 3 airplanes
- Prince George: 2 airplanes and 1 helicopter
- Prince Rupert: 1 helicopter
- Fort St John: 1 airplane
BCEHS also uses about 35 pre-qualified air carriers throughout British Columbia to provide charter aircraft services.
The BC Patient Transfer Network (BCPTN) coordinates all requests for critical care transport services, including neonatal, maternal and pediatric transfers.
BCEHS contracts highly experienced air ambulance pilots who fly both day and night in a wide range of weather conditions to respond to calls across the province. By maintaining flying standards that exceed Transport Canada requirements, BCEHS continues to provide safe, effective and efficient air ambulance services.
