In 1972, the Winterton Fire Department approached the government for funding for a rescue van. The reply that we got back was, ‘We don’t have money for a rescue van, but we have an ambulance if you want one’. After some discussion, it was agreed that an ambulance would be a wonderful asset to our area since the closest one was in Harbour Grace.

After the arrangements were made, the ambulance arrived and went into service in July of 1973. Our service area was from Lead Cove to Hopeall. Heart’s Delight-Islington got an ambulance a few years later and covered the area above Heart’s Desire. Old Perlican to the other side now covers to Brownsdale. Through mutual aid agreement, we cover each others areas if for some reason our ambulance is out of service. The ambulance started with Fire Department members, but we gradually added other drivers. It was easy to get drivers since all you needed was a Class 5 license, you didn’t even need to know first aid.

In the late 80’s or early 90’s, the government brought in programs in Para-Medicine. With this, drivers and attendants had minimum requirements which had to be met. Those requirements have continued to rise, which requires continuing education and upgrading. The ambulance is now run by a committee made up of attendants, a member of council and a member of the public.