In the late 80’s, the north side of the Port au Port Peninsula did not have an ambulance service and had to depend on emergency service from Cape St. George and Stephenville. Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus Council #8550 initiated discussion with the Provincial Government on the establishment of an emergency ambulance service to serve the communities of Lourdes, West Bay, Piccadilly, Winterhouses, Black Duck Brook, Three Rock Cove and Mainland. The cost of providing this service would have to be a 50-50 sharing between the Provincial Government and the communities involved. The Council established a committee, The Lourdes K of C Medical Services Committee, and embarked on fundraising to provide the communities’ share of the cost- sharing agreement. For three years, residents committed to make an annual donation to the project while the K of C Council had various fundraisers from dances, bingos, to ticket raffles. In 1992 a new ambulance was purchased and a number of knights completed training to staff the new service. Also, a portable EKG was purchased for the Lourdes Medical Clinic.
The ambulance service began as a completely volunteer service, and remained that way for many years. Over time, as the requirements for training became more stringent and the government provided more funds to operate the service, the service transitioned from a volunteer-based service to a community-based service with paid employees. At the present time we have two full-time Primary Care Paramedics, two full-time Emergency Medical Responders, one part-time EMR and a part-time maintenance person.
Initially, the ambulance was housed at the Lourdes community council building, but over time a new base was constructed in West Bay consisting of a garage and office. This again was constructed entirely by volunteer labor. In 2018 the base was extensively renovated with an addition consisting of a kitchen, living area and bathroom. A new roof, siding and signage was installed and the parking lot was paved. Five years ago our Service incorporated and we are now administered by a Board of Directors. Three years ago, we purchased a new ambulance equipped with a hydraulic stretcher and stair chair.