Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

My business partner and I have served the people of British Columbia as paramedics for over twenty years. During our years of service, we noticed that in our area of the East and West Kootenays, there was no alternate service provider for medical transportation, which created a gap in service for those patients requiring non-emergency medical transfers. This gap in medical transfer services created a barrier for citizens of our province to gain access to specialized health care services. We at Interior Medical Transport believe that where you live should not determine your access to medical care. Accessing medical appointments or treatments can be costly and patients should not have to choose between their health and the other necessities of life. Using our own resources, we established Interior Medical Transport and built the company to serve and safeguard the citizens of the Kootenay Region, and to provide medical transportation based out of the Kootenays and Interior regions of B.C. Our staff are highly trained, fully licensed healthcare professionals, and we ensure patients and their loved ones are well cared for during medical transfers. IMT takes pride in offering impeccable transfer services with upgraded comfort and assistance our clients can rely on. ​IMT provides safe, reliable transportation options for the citizens of our region. Our vehicles accommodate patients who require various levels of specialist assistance during appointments within B.C. and beyond. Whether you are travelling a short distance or making a long journey, we get you to your destination safely and comfortably. We also created Interior Medical Transport Society to fundraise for those members of our interior communities who cannot afford other types of transportation.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Since our inception, Interior Medical Transport has completed over 400 transfers, which we call "patient contacts." Our clients are patients who require a higher level of care than other regional non-emergency transportation services can provide. Below are some patient testimonials directly from our clients. "I highly recommend Interior Medical Transport. I recently used their services round-trip from Trail to Nelson for a medical procedure. It was a great experience and relaxing to travel with a professional who understands your health needs. They were professional, helpful, and thoughtful. I think they are a great addition to our area and can provide peace of mind when travelling during a time you feel vulnerable. I would not hesitate using their services again. Thank you." "Huge thanks for a job well done with care and consideration, as well as style and professionalism. Sighs of relief came as you walked me through the process and took on the task of orchestrating the transport for my 91-year-old Aunt." "Interior Medical Transport saved us. Our mother is an elderly bariatric patient who is partially paralyzed and lives in a care home. She needed to go to the dentist, eye doctor, ophthalmologist, and endodontist. Because these were non-emergency appointments, regular ambulance services could not transport her. The other public transportation services in the region did not have the proper equipment or trained personnel to accommodate our mother's needs. We discovered IMT, and they have been stellar in every way. We are deeply indebted to them and eternally grateful for their care, skill, and expertise." All of our clients express their gratitude to our paramedic teams for our expertise and for offering this unique, much-needed service. More letters of thanks and support are available upon request.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Residents of the Interior of B.C. face significant challenges when it comes to medical transportation. The specialized non-emergency care that Interior Medical Transport offers is not available through any other organization in the region. Long distances, extreme weather, and difficult terrain create significant barriers to patients needing access to their health care specialists in these locations. By providing these services to our communities, we are helping those whose needs are not being met by other services in our region. Our business offers a unique, valuable, and needed service. Winning the Business Impact award will help Interior Medical Transport to "get the word out" that we are here, ready, willing, and able to provide top-notch professional care to patients. We service the elderly, shut-ins, persons with disabilities, patients who need non-emergency care, and those who are unable to take advantage of regular transportation services. We are dedicated, caring professionals, and we make a huge difference in the East and West Kootenays.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Interior Medical Transport is staffed by paramedics who feel that our clients' needs come before all else. We deliver patient care with compassion and empathy. Patient advocacy is paramount to us. Our experience in the health care system helps us to navigate the system on behalf of our patients. As health care professionals, we support our patients and our patients' families by providing high-level professional care. The healthcare system is complex and can be overwhelming for patients who are facing significant health-related concerns. Interior Medical Transport brings knowledge and comfort to our clients and together we can face and resolve the complications that arise. Other healthcare providers, including nurses, long-term care facilities, and government agencies who learn of our services are surprised and incredibly supportive of the way in which we help those patients in our region who need it most. Interior Medical Transport is dedicated to building a network of community contacts and services to provide quality care to patients who require non-emergency medical transportation support. Our paramedics live and work in Kootenay Region communities that we love. We're here to help.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Interior Medical Transport's clients, patients, families, and caregivers face difficult, unprecedented challenges in their lives. Often, they do not have the knowledge or experience to overcome the adversities that face them. Our paramedics go above and beyond to tackle challenges and to problem-solve the many obstacles our patients face. For example, here is a story from one of our clients: "Our mother is wheelchair bound and has special medical needs. She needed to access the only specialist available for her medical issue within 345 miles. Unfortunately, the specialist's office was not wheelchair or stretcher accessible and access was further impeded by the layout of the building -- the hallway was filled with twists and turns, piled high with boxes, and, in a phrase, it was impossible for a wheelchair to access or navigate that hallway. IMT strategized, measured, and organized countless details, and managed to manoeuvre the wheelchair and our Mom, into that specialist's office. It was a miracle. We are relieved and filled with gratitude. Our minds rest easy knowing that IMT is there whenever Mom needs transportation to a medical appointment." The relief that is felt and expressed by our clients validates our service model. Our skills and services are desperately needed in our region. Getting our clients to and from their medical appointments, and supporting our patients through difficult times in their health care journeys is our mission. We are here for the people of the Kootenay region.