An 84-year-old Edmonton woman was forced to wait in distress for an hour outside her home for an ambulance after suffering a serious fall and breaking her hip, in an incident that has sparked concern over emergency medical service delays.
A Painful and Prolonged Ordeal
Margaret Campbell, 84, experienced the frightening fall at her residence. Despite the severity of her injury—a confirmed broken hip—the emergency response was not immediate. She spent approximately 60 minutes waiting outdoors for paramedics to arrive, a period her family describes as deeply upsetting given her age, pain, and vulnerability.
"It was upsetting," a family member stated, summarizing the traumatic experience. The incident occurred recently, and as of January 9, 2026, Margaret Campbell remains hospitalized, undergoing recovery from the injury sustained during the fall.
Broader Context of Emergency Pressures
This case highlights ongoing strains within Alberta's healthcare and emergency response systems. While the specific reasons for the delay in this instance are under scrutiny, such waits can be influenced by high call volumes, hospital off-load delays, and resource deployment challenges.
The story of Margaret Campbell is not isolated. Across Canada, emergency services frequently grapple with balancing urgent calls, with seniors often being among the most vulnerable when delays occur. The physical and emotional toll of lying injured for an extended period can complicate recovery and diminish patient outcomes.
Calls for Accountability and System Review
The lengthy wait has prompted questions directed at Alberta Health Services (AHS) and emergency medical service providers regarding protocols for high-priority calls involving elderly patients. Advocates for senior care argue that response time benchmarks must be met consistently, especially for non-ambulatory injuries like hip fractures, which require prompt pain management and stabilization.
As Campbell continues her recovery in a local Edmonton hospital, her experience serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of timely emergency care. It underscores a pressing need for system evaluations to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens receive the rapid assistance they require during medical crises.
Community and political leaders are likely to face increased pressure to address emergency medical service capacity, aiming to prevent similar distressing ordeals for other seniors in Edmonton and across Alberta.
