New Brunswick paramedics are volunteering to replace their grieving colleagues in Prince Edward Island following a fatal collision that killed two paramedics and a patient. The incident occurred on July 8, 2026, when an ambulance was involved in a crash on Highway 1 near Borden-Carleton. The three occupants died at the scene.
Volunteer effort organized by Ambulance New Brunswick
Ambulance New Brunswick, the province's private ambulance service, organized the volunteer effort. Spokesperson Sarah Jones confirmed that more than 30 paramedics have volunteered to travel to P.E.I. to cover shifts over the next week. “Our members felt a deep need to help their fellow paramedics in P.E.I.,” Jones said. “We are coordinating with Island EMS to ensure seamless coverage.”
Impact on P.E.I. emergency services
The fatal collision has left P.E.I.'s emergency services short-staffed as colleagues mourn the loss of their team members. Island EMS has been working to maintain coverage, but the volunteer support from New Brunswick is expected to relieve pressure. The P.E.I. government has also declared a period of mourning for the fallen paramedics.
According to Island EMS, the two paramedics who died had a combined 25 years of service. The patient was being transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown at the time of the crash. The cause of the collision is under investigation by the RCMP.
Community and official response
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of support from across the Maritimes. P.E.I. Premier Dennis King expressed gratitude for the volunteer effort. “This shows the strength of our regional bonds,” King said in a statement. “We are deeply thankful to our New Brunswick neighbours.”
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt also offered condolences and praised the paramedics' willingness to help. “Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues of those lost,” Holt said. “We stand with P.E.I. during this difficult time.”
The volunteer paramedics will begin arriving in P.E.I. on July 10, with shifts planned through July 17. Ambulance New Brunswick is covering travel and accommodation costs for the volunteers.
