52e Ambulance de campagne – Sherbrooke, QC

52e Ambulance de campagne (52 Amb C)

The 52e Ambulance de campagne (52nd Field Ambulance) is a Primary Reserve unit of the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed in Sherbrooke. Operating under the 35 Canadian Brigade Group, this unit specializes in providing combat service support, specifically health services, to Canadian Army operations. Located at the Colonel-Gaétan-Côté Armoury on Rue Woodward, it serves as a key institution for military medical training and readiness in the Eastern Townships region.

Mission and Capabilities

The primary mandate of the unit is to generate trained medical personnel-including Medical Technicians, Nursing Officers, and Medical Officers-to support domestic and international deployments. Key capabilities include:

• Role 1 Medical Support: Providing pre-hospital care, triage, and evacuation from the point of injury.
• Civil Assistance: Deploying to support provincial authorities during natural disasters (e.g., floods, ice storms).
• Recruitment and Training: Acting as a local hub for recruiting citizens into the Reserve Force and conducting individual battle task standards training.

Historical Context

The unit’s lineage traces back to the 8th Medical Company, established in 1954. It was redesignated as the 52e Compagnie médicale in 1978 before adopting its current title. The unit earned significant recognition during the 1998 Ice Storm (Opération RÉCUPÉRATION), where its members played a vital role in providing emergency aid to the stricken population of the Montérégie and Estrie regions. This deep connection to the community remains a hallmark of its service.

Join the Reserve

As a government institution, the 52e Ambulance de campagne offers employment opportunities for Canadians wishing to serve part-time. The facility houses a recruitment office where candidates can apply for various trades. Training typically takes place on Tuesday evenings and selected weekends, allowing members to balance military service with civilian careers or studies.