The acquisition received purchase approval from Alberta Health Services and was effective April 1, 2016; Guardian Ambulance Ltd. is now part of the Medavie EMS Group of Companies, the largest contracted provider of EMS management service in Canada and largest ambulance operator in the state of Massachusetts. 

“With over 40 years of providing care, Guardian Ambulance Ltd. is committed to providing excellent service to our communities,” said Lance Holly, Former- President, Guardian Ambulance.  “We have taken the opportunity to retire and believe that Medavie EMS is a great fit for organization - sharing our vision of delivering the highest-quality care. Medavie EMS has a proven track record of excellence and together with the Guardian team, will build on the strength of the loyal and dedicated employees who have made this organization a success.”

“We have been privileged to work alongside the team at Guardian Ambulance, who provide compassionate care and health outcomes for patients and the communities of Central Alberta,” said Erik Sande, President of Medavie EMS. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation of the team, as we continue on our journey to build healthier communities through innovative health solutions.”

Guardian Ambulance Ltd. is managed under contract by Alberta Health Services and has been in operation for over 40 years. Their 90 employees currently respond to approximately 11,000 calls per year in and around the surrounding communities of Innisfail, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada.

About Medavie
Medavie is an out-of-hospital health services company. We integrate benefits management, health management and health care delivery through two operating companies, Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie EMS. Together, with our more than 6,000 employees, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that will help build a healthy Canada. And from our perspective, this will require Canadians to think about health care differently.

Medavie EMS is currently contracted to provide EMS services in six Canadian provinces, making it the largest contracted provider of EMS management services in Canada. Medavie EMS also expanded its scope of services internationally and is today the largest provider of ambulance services in the state of Massachusetts. Medavie EMS has a long history of innovating in the field of Community Paramedicine and delivering Mobile Integrated Health Services. Our operations span ground and air ambulance services, medical communications, clinical training, and community health solutions.

Our commitment to a different kind of health care is further evidenced in the Medavie Health Foundation, where we channel 10 per cent of annual net income to improve the health of Canadians in the areas of child and youth mental health and type 2 diabetes.