In the 80’s, the northern Port au Port Peninsula relied on Cape St. George and Stephenville for emergency services.
Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus Council #8550 initiated discussion with the Provincial Government. They agreed to establish an emergency ambulance service to serve Lourdes and the surrounding communities. The cost of providing this service would be a 50-50 sharing between the Provincial Government and the communities involved.
This born The Lourdes K of C Medical Services Committee and embarked on fundraising to provide the communities’ share of the cost. Over three years, residents committed to make annual donations to the project as the K of C Council held various fundraisers from dances, bingos, to ticket raffles. In 1992 we purchased an Ambulance and a number of knights completed training to staff the new service. We also provided an EKG to Lourdes Clinic.
The service began as a completely volunteer service, and remained that way for many years. The service transitioned from volunteer to community-based service with pay as training became more stringent and more funding was provided. We employed two full-time Primary Care Paramedics, two full-time Emergency Medical Responders, one part-time EMR and a part-time maintenance person.
The ambulance was first housed at the Lourdes community council building. Volunteers constructed a new base in West Bay, consisting of a garage and office. In 2018, the base underwent extensive renovations by volunteers, which included adding a kitchen, living area, and bathroom. We installed a new roof, siding, signage and the parking lot paved. Our Service had since incorporated, and is currently administered by a Board of Directors. Three years ago, we purchased a new ambulance equipped with a hydraulic stretcher and stair chair.
