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British Columbia Ambulance Service NewsOctober 09, 2008Richmond Brothers Awarded For HeroismOn October 8, BCAS Paramedics Alex Mattes and Allan Maciak, and BCAS Dispatcher Nathan Blackstock presented Good Samaritan Awards to two brothers to recognize them for calling 911 and saving their mother's life. October 08, 20082008 BC Senior's Game: Prince GeorgeOn September 10 – 13, BCAS paramedics volunteered as medics at the BC Seniors Games, held in Prince George. October 05, 2008BCAS paramedics Run for the CureOn October 5, BCAS paramedics participated in the Run for a Cure in Nanaimo. September 29, 2008$345,000 in Student Awards granted to Enhance Training for ParamedicsForty-nine recipients have been selected for the first award cycle of the Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) Education Fund, a $5 million dollar bursary awards program established by the Ministry of Health Services in September 2007. Patients to Benefit from Boost to Ambulance ResourcesLower Mainland patients will benefit from a $2-million investment in 20 new fulltime paramedic positions and the recent implementation of a $4-million computer aided dispatch system that is helping the BC Ambulance Service manage increasing call volumes in Greater Vancouver, announced Health Services Minister George Abbott today. September 23, 2008BCAS recognize EMD with a Stork AwardOn September 18, the BCAS presented Emergency Medical Dispatcher with a Stork Award at a special presentation with the mother and baby she helped deliver. 9/11 Memorial RideOn September 11, paramedics in the Lower Mainland took part in the 9/11 Memorial Ride, an annual event that sees Emergency Service personnel from Canada and the US ride to the Peace Arch boarder cross to pay tribute to the police, fire and ambulance personnel who lost their lives in the New York tragedy September 18, 2008Safeway Employees Save a LifeOn September 12, Superintendent Mike Aubie and Unit Chiefs Bob Perry and Glen Greenhill presented Safeway employees with Vital Link and Good Samaritan awards in Courtenay. Save on Foods Employees Save a LifeOn September 12, BCAS Unit Chief Clarke McGuire, Superintendent Tim Philley, ACP Ron van Houten and PCP Adam Greene presented Save on Foods employees with Vital Link and Good Samaritan awards in Richmond. September 11, 2008Langley CruiseOn September 5, paramedics Steve Williams, Cliff Bergum and William Yeung participated in the Langley Cruise-In, one of the largest mixed car shows in Canada which draws cars and spectators from across Canada and the United States. August 26, 2008Funding Approved for Revelstoke Ambulance StationREVELSTOKE – Health Services Minister George Abbott announced today that government is investing $2 million to build a new ambulance station in Revelstoke. August 21, 2008BCAS ITT paramedic competes at MPCCOn August 3rd BCAS ITT paramedic Bob Noble successfully defended his title in the over 40 Masters category at the Modern Pentathlon Canadian Championships in Guelph, Ontario. August 7, 2008Abbotsford AirshowBCAS paramedics were on hand at the Abbotsford Air Show on August 8-10 to talk to the public about life as a paramedic and career opportunities with the ambulance service. July 24, 200816 Year Old Performs CPR to StrangerOn July 23, BCAS presented a 16 year old with a Vital Link medal to recognize his actions in saving a strangers life through CPR. July 22, 200812 Year Old Saves Best Friend's LifeOn July 21, BCAS Operations Director Paul Swain and attending paramedics Amy Berthelot and Richard Streimer, presented 12 year old Kamloops teenager, Anthony Oliver with a Good Samaritan Award to recognize his actions in saving his best friends life. July 16, 2008Good Samaritans Save Woman's LifeOn July 11, BCAS Superintendent Norm Matheson presented three individuals with Vital Link and Good Samaritan Awards to recognize their life saving actions in helping to save a colleagues life in Kelowna, BC. June 25, 20086 Year old Receives Recognition for HeroismOn June 25, BCAS Superintendent John McKinstry presented six year old, Erick MacKinnon with a Good Samaritan award for his quick thinking when he called 911 and asked for an ambulance for his unconscious mom. June 23, 2008New Emergency System Helps Heart Attack VictimsOn June 19, a joint News Release went out across the Province discussing STEMI and its use by the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS), Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), and Providence Health Care. Patients who are suffering from the severest form of acute heart attacks are now receiving more timely care, straight out of the ambulance, by using new technology for transmitting electrocardiograms (ECGs) directly to an emergency department from specially equipped ambulances. June 21, 2008Ride 2 SurviveOn June 21, BC Ambulance Service paramedics provided medical support to over 60 cyclists for the Ride 2 Survive bicycle race; a fundraising event that raised over $190,000 for cancer research. June 16, 2008Woman Plays Vital Role in Saving her Husband's LifeOn June 16, BCAS Superintendent Richard Chick, Dr Karen Wanger and BCAS Dispatcher Shaun Hansen presented a Vital Link Medal to Kaye Halstead for her role in saving her husbands life through dispatch guided CPR. Mrs Halstead was joined by her husband, family and friends at the presentation in Whistler. June 14, 2008Sicamous Safety FairOn June 14, BCAS Sicamous paramedics joined emergency service partners for a safety fair. The event was an opportunity for paramedics to interact with the community and showcase the vital role the BCAS plays in the health care system. June 12, 2008Three Lifeguards Honoured for life Saving ActionsOn June 12, Superintendent Grant Brilz and District Supervisor Rick Atkinson presented three Victoria lifeguards with Vital Link medals for their role in saving a life through CPR. June 6, 2008A Million Dollar Run For CharityOn July 29, BCAS paramedic Will Rogers will start "A Million Dollar Race." Rogers is planning a charity run in support of the Servants Anonymous Society of Surrey (SASS); an organization, which provides safe and secure homes, education, long term support, hope and wholeness for girls and women who are homeless and at risk of sexual exploitation. Will plans to run from Mile 0 in Victoria and finish in Penticton two weeks later. May 29, 2008BCAS Founder receives Highest HonourOne of the BC Ambulance Service's founders, Dr. Peter Ransford, was recently awarded an Order of Service for his leadership and foresight into the BCAS. May 27, 200812 year old Boy Saves Grandmother's LifeOn May 27, BCAS Vancouver Island Executive Director Shawn Carby, presented 12 year old Jacob Snobelen and bystander, Debbie Sargent, with Good Samaritan Awards for their heroism. May 23, 2008Cops for Cancer Tours 2008Thanks to the dedication and commitment to past Tours, BCAS paramedics have been invited to support this worthwhile cause once again. This year's Cops for Cancer Tour de North is set for Sept 5-12; and Tours de Coast and Valley is set for September 18 – 26, 2008. May 22, 2008Five Honoured for Life Saving ActionsOn May 22, BCAS Unit Chief Kathy Crandlemire and BCAS paramedics Jodi Scott, Jim Preston and Mike Johnson, presented three Vital Link medals and two Good Samaritan awards, to five individuals in Sicamous. May 20, 2008Emergency Medical Assistant Education FundApplications for the Vancouver Foundation's Emergency Medical Assistant Education Fund will be accepted commencing June 1, 2008. To be considered for a bursary, applicants must be enrolled in an approved full or part-time Emergency Medical Assistant program, or be accepted for a program beginning September 1, 2008 or later. Eligible applicants should note that the deadline for this round of applications is July 15, 2008, with all awards announced by August 31, 2008. For more information please visit the JIBC website. May 11, 2008BCAS Employees Participate in Emergency Preparedness EventOn May 11, BCAS employees in Vernon took part in an Emergency Preparedness Display at the Vernon Recreation complex. May 4, 2008Three Vital Link Awards presented in NanaimoOn May 4, BCAS Superintendent John McKinstry, BCAS paramedic Dave MacKenzie, and BCAS dispatcher Linzie Goddard presented three Vital Link Awards to individuals who performed CPR to family members. April 28, 2008Students Faced Drinking And Driving Consequences Head onOn April 28, BCAS paramedics in Sechelt joined Sunshine coast RCMP, Sechelt volunteer fire crews, and ICBC at the Chatelech High School (Sechelt) to simulate a motor vehicle accident involving students to demonstrate the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. April 25, 20086th Annual BC Paramedic Hockey TournamentOn April 25 and 26, the BC Ambulance Service and Cupe Union 873 will hold the 6th Annual BC Paramedic Hockey Tournament at the Ice Box Arena in Kamloops. This year there will be 100 BCAS paramedics participating and will form 6 teams from across the province. Team BC 2008 wins GoldTeam BC 2008 wins Gold at the Canadian National Paramedic Competition in Ontario April 24, 2008Jeans for Jeans DayBCAS Lower Mainland Dispatchers support BC Childrens Hospital. April 23, 2008The Richmond Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual 911 AwardsOn April 23, BCAS paramedics were recognized at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual 911 Awards. April 16, 2008EMCT receives Certificate of AppreciationEmergency Medical Call Taker (EMCT) Tanya De Rek received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her successful completion of the EMCT course. Tanya is one of the first external applicants to complete the EMCT program, a significant accomplishment as she had no previous on-car experience. Mother receives Vital Link MedalOn April 16, Superintendent Kevin Urton and paramedic Andrew Billing presented Adrianne Copeland from Cloverdale with a Vital Link Medal to recognize her for saving her daughters life through CPR. April 11, 2008Honours Procession for Fallen ParamedicThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) and the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (CUPE 873) will be leading an honours procession and memorial service on April 15, 2008 to honour paramedic Michael Gray who recently lost his life in the line of duty. Paramedic Michael Gray suffered a sudden and unexpected collapse at the wheel of his ambulance on April 08, 2008 while returning from dropping off a patient at Vancouver General Hospital. Despite the heroic efforts of Michael’s partner, the BCAS dispatch team, the Vancouver Fire first responders, the responding BCAS BLS and ALS ambulance paramedic crews, and the Vancouver General Hospital Staff, Michael did not survive. Michael Gray Tribute PageA tribute page for fallen BC Ambulance Service paramedic Michael Gray has been created, to share notes and messages of condolence. April 9, 2008Media Advisory: BC Ambulance Service Paramedic LossIt is with the utmost sadness that BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) confirms the sad loss of paramedic Michael Gray as result of a medical issue suffered while he was working for BCAS in the Lower Mainland on April 8. Michael suffered a sudden and unexpected collapse at the wheel of his ambulance while returning from dropping off a patient at hospital. His ambulance subsequently collided with parked vehicles, however there were no people in the other vehicles and no injuries were suffered by anyone else as result of the incident. April 4, 2008Two Vital Link and one Good Samaritan recognized in PrincetonOn April 3, A/Unit Chief Jo-Anne Ferguson and Paramedics, Moira Fynes and Rob Hurd, recognized Princeton heroes for saving a life. March 29, 2008Son Saves Father Through CPROn March 29, Superintendent Bill Penhallurick and paramedics Stephen Shipman and Keith Kozac presented Steve Giroux with a Vital Link Award. March 25, 2008Hockey Players and Staff RecognizedOn March 20, eight individuals were recognized for their role in saving a life. 13 Year Old Good SamaritanOn March 19, BCAS recognized 13 year old Haley Latimer with a Good Samaritan Award for her bravery. March 12, 2008BCAS Recognized at JIBC Awards of ExcellenceMembers of the BCAS were recognized at the JIBC Awards of Excellence ceremony, an event celebrating the contribution of alumni, associates, faculty and staff of the JIBC towards fulfilling the institute's mission of providing "innovative education and training for those who make communities safe." 6th Annual BC Paramedic Hockey TournamentOn April 25 and 26, the BC Ambulance Service and Cupe Union 873 will hold the 6th Annual BC Paramedic Hockey Tournament at the Ice Box Arena in Kamloops. This year there will be over 8 teams of BCAS paramedics from across the province participating. March 5, 2008Hikers Perform CPR to FriendOn March 5th, Irma Jonn and John Sokolowski were presented with Vital Link Medals by Superintendent Norm Bickel, to recognize them for their life saving actions. February 27, 2008BCAS supporters wear pink shirtsOn February 27, Duncan paramedics Desiree Profili and Tracy Scott participated in BC's Anti-Bullying Day, a campaign that BCAS and Cupe 873 support, centered around taking a stand against bullying. February 21, 2008Three Honoured for BraveryThe BCAS presented three Williams Lake residents with Good Samaritan Awards in recognition of the humanitarian actions and bravery they showed in October when they successfully rescued a couple from their burning vehicle. Their efforts were formally acknowledged at an awards presentation at William’s Lake Ambulance station on February 6. February 12, 2008Colleague Performs CPR on Teenage WorkerOn February 12, the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) presented 19 year old Matt Antle with a Vital Link Award in recognition of the bravery he showed in August when he successfully performed CPR on his colleague, 17 year old Celine Kennett. February 7, 2008Honoured for BraveryThe BC Ambulance Service presented Fort St. John resident Lori Ellard with a Vital Link Award, in recognition of the bravery she showed on December 23, 2007 when she performed CPR on her father. Unfortunately Lori's father passed due to complications a few days later, however her efforts gave him a fighting chance. February 5, 2008Recruitment in East KootenaysA BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) sponsored Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course was be completed on February 2, 2008. January 30, 2008Search and Rescue Volunteer saves climbing partnerThe BCAS presented Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer Stacey Glanville with a Good Samaritan Award on January 26, 2008, in recognition of the heroism she showed in September when she helped save the life of her climbing partner, part time Paramedic Ken Gallant. December 20, 2007Father and Son Receive Good Samaritan AwardThe BC Ambulance Service presented a father and son, with Good Samaritan Award's to recognize their life saving actions; 40 years apart. The presentation took place in Chemainus on December 20th. Victoria Resident Receives Good Samaritan Award for HeroismThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) presented Kent Lindahl from Victoria, with a Good Samaritan Award to recognize his life saving actions. The presentation took place at the Vancouver Island Regional Administrative Office on December 20th. December 14, 2007Paramedics Help Increase Cardiac Arrest Survival RatesThe BC Ambulance Service is reporting a 20 per cent increase in cardiac arrest survival rates, attributed to improvements in the care given by BC Ambulance Service paramedics.
See also: Cardiac Arrest Outcomes [PDF] A report developed in collaboration with BC Ambulance Service, First Responder Agencies and Training Programs, the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium and the Emergency Medicine Research Team at St. Paul's Hospital. December 5, 2007CFB Esquimalt Leading Seaman is Vital Link for StrangerThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) presented Leading Seaman Jason Sarrazin with a Vital Link Award to recognize his life saving actions at a special ceremony at the BC Ambulance Service Vancouver Island HQ’s on Tuesday the 4th December. B.C. Paramedics Accept Honours From Lieutenant-GovernorThe contributions and commitment BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) employees provide to the province and their profession have not gone unnoticed. On Nov. 29, 12 BCAS employees were honoured by Canada’s Office of the Governor General and were presented with national exemplary service medals by the Honourable Steven L. Point, the lieutenant-governor of British Columbia. November 28, 2007CPR Event at the LegislatureSecondary school students joined Health Minister George Abbott and Education Minister and Deputy Premier Shirley Bond at the B.C. legislature last week to demonstrate the life-saving skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). November 20, 2007Santa Claus flown into Royal Columbia Hospital by Air AmbulanceOn Monday November 19, 2007 Santa Claus made a surprise visit to kids currently in the hospital’s children ward thanks to the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS), Helijet and the Rogers group of companies. Fall PreventionThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) are one of the founder members of the fall and injury prevention coalition behind the seniors fall prevention education campaign, supporting the provincial proclamation for fall prevention and education.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) monthPublic Service Announcement: November is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) month and BC Ambulance Service paramedics are encouraging British Columbians to learn CPR.
Honoured for Saving a LifeVICTORIA – BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) presented Vital Link Awards to a bystander and two Victoria Police Officers yesterday, for using CPR that helped save the life of a stranger. October 22, 2007Paramedic Raises $8,000 for Cops for CancerThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) is proud to announce that Terry Mitchell, a BCAS paramedic from the Queen Charlotte Islands, successfully raised nearly $8,000 for Cops for Cancer. Mitchell was the first paramedic to ever ride with Cops for Cancer on the Tour de North, and his BCAS colleagues in northern B.C. supported his place in the team through fundraising and sponsorship. October 18, 2007Local Dentist's Office Honoured for Saving LifeBC Ambulance Service (BCAS) presented Vital Link Awards to a Victoria dentist and his staff for using CPR in addition to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that helped save the life of one of their long time patients. Paramedics Win Silver Medal at Australian ChallengeA team of British Columbia’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics have returned home from Queensland, Australia, after winning the Silver Medal at the Asia Pacific International Conference (APIC) simulation challenge September 18, 2007Paramedics Going for Gold in AustraliaBritish Columbia's paramedics are some of the best in the world and, on September 28th a team of Advanced Life Support Paramedics will be in Australia to test and demonstrate their knowledge. Sponsored in part by BC Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, Team Canada 2007 is a group of four lower mainland paramedics with more than 100 years of combined experience. September 13, 2007Emergency Medical Assistants Education FundThe Emergency and Health Services Commission (EHSC) has contributed $3 million to establish Vancouver Foundation's Emergency Medical Assistants Education Fund. The purpose of the fund is to defray license upgrade costs incurred by emergency medical assistants.
September 12, 2007Flat Rate Benefits Patients Travelling Longer DistancesOn October 1, 2007, the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) will implement a fairer, more streamlined fee structure to ensure most patients pay the same for ambulance transport in B.C., regardless of where they live or the distance they travel, and to eliminate fees for thousands of low income individuals.
August 16, 2007BCAS Progress on Coroner Jury RecommendationsThe BCAS has made progress on the eight jury recommendations following the coroner's inquest into last year's tragic deaths of four people, including two paramedics, at Kimberley's Sullivan Mine, said Sue Conroy, chief operating officer for the provincial emergency service.
August 2, 2007Paramedics Join Emergency Personnel in Sirens for LifeBC Ambulance Service paramedics in the Okanagan and Lower Mainland regions are joining forces with firefighters, municipal police and RCMP, and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) personnel to ensure adequate supplies of blood are available through the busy summer months.
For the Record: Alexis Creek Staffing
July 31, 2007Employee Mapping Aids Emergency ResponseAn innovative employee mapping process developed by the BC Ambulance Service will help ensure ambulance response is available in times of major emergencies, Health Minister George Abbott announced today.
July 26, 2007Robson Valley Paramedic Recruitment Drive a SuccessA targeted recruitment effort by the BC Ambulance Service attracted seven additional paramedics to the Robson Valley, Health Minister George Abbott and Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson, announced today.
July 18, 2007Queen Charlotte Islands Paramedic Recruitment Drive SuccessfulA targeted recruitment effort by the BC Ambulance Service attracted 10 additional paramedics to the Queen Charlotte Islands, Health Minister George Abbott announced today while visiting Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital.
July 4, 2007Heroes Honoured for Life-Saving EffortsThe British Columbia Ambulance Service is celebrating Paramedic Appreciation Week by presenting awards to three Lower Mainland residents who performed life-saving bystander CPR to victims of cardiac arrest. The quick action of the honourees was instrumental in achieving positive patient outcomes in three separate instances.
June 27, 2007Paramedic Appreciation WeekBritish Columbia will officially recognize Paramedic Appreciation Week as July 1st to July 7th this year, an occasion for the public to honour paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers and express their gratitude for the contributions we make both on and off the job each day. Throughout the week, we will open our doors to members of our communities, to meet with them and answer their questions about the important work we do. Visit the Paramedic Appreciation Week Events Calendar for a list of the events and activities that are planned in your communities. April 26, 2007Update on Kamloops Ambulance Dispatch CentreThe British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) is awaiting the results of environmental testing of its Interior and Northern BC Dispatch Centre located in Kamloops before resuming operations in the same facility.
April 24, 2007Kamloops Ambulance Dispatch Makes Seamless TransitionThe British Columbia Ambulance Service Kamloops Dispatch Centre is fully operational and service to the public has been seamless throughout its relocation to an adjacent building following a problem with the facility's sewer system.
April 12, 2007BC Air Ambulance Airplanes Take OffSix airplanes under new contracts with the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) Air Ambulance Program are beginning service to transport patients throughout British Columbia, announced Health Minister George Abbott.
March 20, 2007Paramedics to Compete at Asia Pacific International CompetitionFrom September 26th to 29th, BC Ambulance Service paramedics will compete in the Asia Pacific International Conference/Competition, "Out of Hospital Care – Challenge Your Boundaries" on the Gold Coast of Australia. The conference will feature presentations on Emergency Pre-Hospital Care, research results and the latest treatments and procedures, while the competition will include teams from New Zealand, The USA, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and our BCAS team, who captured the gold medal at the 2005 Rallye Rejviz International Medical Competition. For more information please visit the Team Canada website. March 2, 2007Ambulance Coverage Expands in HoustonThe BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is enhancing ambulance coverage in Houston by ensuring that paramedics are standing by at the station to respond to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
December 22, 2006Critical Care Transport Team FormalizedAn innovative pilot project launched last year by the provincial government, the BC Ambulance Service and the Interior Health Authority that provides specialized critical care transport to patients has now been formally endorsed as a regular service in the Kootenay-Boundary Health Service Area.
November 20, 2006CPR Program Launched in Prince George Secondary Schools
BC Paramedics Leading the Way with New CPR Guidelines
November 7, 2006New Contracts Boost BC Air Ambulance Program
October 30, 2006Sullivan Mine Report
October 25, 2006For the RecordFor the Record [PDF]: An overview of the BC Ambulance Service. October 5, 2006Elite Paramedic Team Celebrates Milestone AnniversaryThe BC Ambulance Service is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Infant Transport Team, a highly specialized unit that provides emergency transport and medical care for neo-natal, pediatric and high-risk obstetric patients from across British Columbia. September 11, 2006BCAS Acknowledges Good SamaritanOn August 29, 2006, BCAS presented Angela Chao of Vancouver, BC with a Letter of Appreciation and a Good Samaritan Certificate in recognition of the assistance she provided BCAS, by translating for a disoriented elderly female who was unable to communicate with BCAS paramedics. |
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Published: Monday, October 16, 2006 | Last Edit: Thursday, October 9, 2008 |
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