KAMLOOPS - The British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) Kamloops Dispatch Centre is fully operational and service to the public has been seamless throughout its relocation to an adjacent building following a problem with the facility's sewer system.
George Abbott, Minister of Health commended the BC Ambulance Service for quickly ensuring the health and well-being of staff, rapidly implementing its dispatch contingency plan, and ensuring uninterrupted service to the public.

All emergency calls for ambulance services are being received as usual and service to the public has not been affected. As soon as BCAS initiated plans for the evacuation, BCAS worked closely with 911 to ensure service was maintained without interruption.

The sewer first backed up on Saturday and was addressed immediately by BCAS and building maintenance staff. A second incident occurred on Sunday, compromising the air quality in the dispatch centre. BCAS quickly acted to evacuate staff and relocate dispatch operations while the environment is restored.

Three individuals were transported to hospital for routine assessment and later released. The incident has been characterized by the B.C. Poison Control Centre as an irritant and not toxic.

BCAS Telecommunications, Information Technology specialists and regional staff worked around the clock Sunday night and Monday to transfer the technology platform, including phone lines and Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) systems. During the transfer, ambulances were dispatched manually with additional dispatch staff being brought in to assist.

The BCAS Kamloops Dispatch Centre provides dispatch services for the majority of British Columbia with the exception of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.