The next training session for new volunteers begins Sept. 14
South Shuswap First Responders are in urgent need of new recruits.
At this time, only eight responders deliver service to 51,366 residents (2016 census) in Area C of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, a region that is 601 square kilometres in size.
Area C stretches 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.
Trained volunteers respond to 911 emergency calls to provide aid and comfort until BC Ambulance arrives to provide transport.
“We have eight responders available when they’re not working, on holidays or whatever,” said South Shuswap First Responders spokesperson Debbie Edwards. “That usually means we have two in the whole area, maybe.”
The group used to provide service 24-7 but has had to cut coverage from 7 a.m. to 10 at night, and only for the most urgent calls such as strokes, heart attacks or drug overdoses.
Read more…https://www.saobserver.net/news/south-shuswap-first-responders-in-desperate-need-of-volunteers/
