First Responders Need Volunteers
First Responders Release
The South Shuswap First Responders needs more volunteers now. Because of low volunteer numbers, after 20+ years of service, last summer the First Responders were forced to reduce their hours and are unable to cover 24 hours at this time.
There are only 12 responders to deliver service in an area that covers from the Salmon Arm side of Kault Hill, west to Squilax and includes Sunnybrae, Tappen, Notch Hill, Sorrento, Blind Bay, Eagle Bay and White Lake.
South Shuswap First Responders will provide all the training necessary for our volunteers to provide licensed emergency medical first aid. The First Responder group is vital to this area as they are first on scene to provide medical care until BC Ambulance Service arrives and is able to transport a patient. Living in a rural area as we do, there can be a wait time for the Ambulance to arrive as they are dispatched out of either Chase or Salmon Arm.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 16-22, why not consider giving some of your time and energy to help those in need here in our communities by becoming a First Responder?
If you feel that you are able to function well under pressure in a medical emergency situation and are a good team player with a calm disposition, please call Debbie 250-675-3355 or email us at ssfr@shaw.ca. We would love to have a conversation with you.
There are several different ways you can help if you are unable to become a Responder.
More important than one might realize is an addition of reflective house number address signs to the front of your home, crucial to First Responders being able to find your house - or a neighbour’s house - in an emergency situation. You can order a sign by simply sending us an email.
Another way you can help is by keeping your house accessible. This includes driveways being clear and able to be accessed along with having a way to get into your house if all the doors are locked. This information can then be given to 911 so that Responders have a way inside. If you have called 911 for someone in your house, go unlock the door and leave it ajar and if it’s dark outside, turn on the outside light. You can always instruct 911 to let the crew know which door is best for them to use.
Being prepared for any type of emergency is good advice to heed. For a medical emergency, it helps the Responders if you know important details about yourself and the people who live with you. If there is a Medical Order for Scope of Treatment or a do not resuscitate form, please make sure the form is somewhere the First Responders will find it which is usually on the fridge. What are the medical conditions and medical history? Where are any medications kept? It’s a good idea to have an up-to-date list. It is also helpful to know if any herbal or recreational drugs are being taken as well as any alcohol consumption. Does the patient wear contacts, hearing aids and/or false teeth. Does the patient have any physical or mental impairments or conditions? These many factors will all enable the Responders to interact with and treat the patient in the most appropriate way.
The South Shuswap First Responders are local volunteers who work and train hard to be able to give medical aid during emergency situations. We’d love to add more people to our team, and we appreciate all the many ways you all help and support us.
