Recognizing 2026 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award nominee:
Stettler District Ambulance Association with team lead, Linda Borg; Tanner Colhoun, Tayten Dyck; Paige Fisher; Carrie Jordan; Mark Ratch; Leisha Lane; Caleb Ould; Taylor Nichols; Kaylea Brown; Koby Myers; Richard Evans; Kenny Middlesbrough; Nolan Rockwell; Rebecca Rogers; Deanna Groundwater; Kevin Phillips; Arthur Sangster; Ken Boniface; Scott Dykin; Jeff Matsuda; Patrica Minions; Jamie Orr; Bennet Rolston; Wes Wagar; Shaela Watkins; Sarah Creasy; Mia Giles; Kayla Holliday; Hailie Jackson; Nathan Lunty; Tara Magee; Milan Mijatovic; Karli Plehnert; Sarah Prokopiw
Community: Stettler
A 35-member ambulance team exemplifies excellence in rural emergency medical services in the “heart of Alberta” despite being presented with ongoing challenges.
Patients, community leaders, health professionals, and local organizations “consistently describe the Stettler District Ambulance Association (SDAA) as professional, compassionate, and indispensable to the health and safety of our region,” writes Jenna Watson in her nomination of the group for a 2026 RHPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award.
As acute care unit manager for the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre, Watson says “delivering high quality emergency medical services in a rural environment presents numerous challenges including geographic isolation, limited access to specialized facilities, workforce constraints, and the demands facing small teams.”
“Despite these obstacles, SDAA has demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability,” Watson says.
Its core values of Honesty, Education, Accountability, Respect, Transparency, and Safety guide their everyday work and decision making as they deliver care to a catchment area of more than 38,000 people extending from Camrose to Drumheller and Red Deer to the Saskatchewan border.
The association’s commitment to proactive and compassionate patient care during physician shortages and emergency room closures did not go unnoticed.
This “ensured continuity of care, reduced strain on surrounding facilities, and provided reassurance to patients during an exceptionally challenging time,” notes Watson.
“Community members frequently share personal stories of paramedics providing calm, respectful, and reassuring care during moments of crisis, often staying with patients and families beyond transport to ensure understanding, dignity, and comfort.”
The team’s work goes beyond treating patients. Members mentor students and new practitioners and collaborate with colleagues. This professional, value-driven environment helps support the area’s attraction and retention committee in its efforts.
Continuous improvement through its Accreditation Canada participation earned the group high marks in the past year.
“These outcomes reflect a strong organizational culture grounded in ethical practice, evidence-informed care, and effective leadership,” says Watson.
Check back on May 20 when we announce this year’s Rhapsody Award recipients!