St. John Ambulance services are now available in Estevan, thanks to the formation of a new volunteer medical first responder unit in the city.
The division has been steadily increasing in numbers since the idea to form an Estevan branch was brought up last fall. Corey Olver, division superintendent, started getting volunteers together to run the service and the group has been filling positions and adding to its active force that will be out in the community.
"We fill the gap between something happening and the ambulance getting there," Olver said.
Mark Arthur, public relations officer for the Estevan division, said the division will be strictly a brigade unit that will be present at gatherings and events in the community, but does not include a corporate training unit. The group is operating out of the library for now.
Arthur said there was a initially a good number of people coming forward as volunteers but they are always looking for more. In the busy summer months the more volunteers the better. At some events, where there are a large number of people, like hockey games or festivals, he said they might provide a couple of two-person units. Arthur said he has attended sporting events and provided treatment to athletes on occasion.
The enthusiasm is strong among the volunteers.
"There is a desire. Desire is such a huge part of volunteerism," he said.
The group will be canvassing the neighbourhood to let people know the service is now available and people can contact the division if they would like the St. John Ambulance to attend an event.
"We'll be building a larger profile. We want to say, 'Hey, we're here now, feel free to contact us.'"
Olver got his CPR training about four years ago. He works at a coal mine and joined the mine rescue team. The prerequisite for the rescue squad was to be trained in first aid. He is now certified as a medical first responder.
Volunteers with CPR training will receive training to keep their certification up to date. Arthur noted they want to bring that certification up for everyone involved to an emergency medical responder, the same level as firefighters.
"Corey saw a need for it in Estevan," said Arthur. "He contacted the St. John Ambulance in Regina and found a way to get it back to this community."
Last fall the wheels started to turn, and organizing the volunteer corps started to come together. The Estevan division is looking for corporate donations to help grow the local service.
Arthur said, "We'd love to have our own vehicle, have a used van or something we can put a patient in."
The volunteers have biweekly meetings at the library at 6 p.m. For further inquiries on volunteering or any of their activities call Mark Arthur at 306-891-9078.
