A reclassification approval for ambulance services in Humboldt and Wadena has been approved by the Saskatoon Health Region board.

"There are advanced care paramedics available within those services to respond to 911 calls," Sherri Jule, the manager of prehospital emergency medical services explained. "What advanced care paramedics means to the community is you've got the highest level of paramedics available in an ambulance to respond to patients."

Jule says this has been in the works for about five years, she says they did have staff trained to perform services such as intubation and life support medication but now it's available 24 hours a day.

"What that means if the patient requires the advanced life support skills they have that available in those levels of paramedics," Jule continued.

Jule ads that with transport times over an hour from Humboldt to Saskatoon or even two or more from Wadena, this could be life saving as paramedics can perform some tasks that previously required a doctor or nurse.

"Absolutely, two hours of transport time is significant and you really want that advanced care paramedic with you when you need it."

The reclassification was approved by the SHR board on Wednesday of last week at their monthly meeting.

You can hear more from Jule below in her interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork.