Image Credit: North Shuswap First Responders

By Chad Klassen

COVID-19

Volunteers first responders in Shuswap suspend service in response to COVID-19

Mar 23, 2020 | 1:47 PM

CHASE, B.C. — Residents in the North Shuswap will now have to rely solely on BC Ambulance paramedics if they need medical assistance.

The North Shuswap First Responders Society, a volunteer service in the area, has decided to stop its emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic due to safety concerns.

Vice-President of the society Don Devine told CFJC Today the organization doesn’t have the proper equipment to treat patients that may be infected by the virus.

“It was determined that we don’t have the sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gowns and heavy gloves, booties, all the requirements BC Ambulance must use,” noted Devine. “We were quite concerned that if we did do a call, and we could not properly sterilize, we would infect other patients then on the next call.”

The North Shuswap First Responders has about 16 volunteer responders and six dispatchers who rotate throughout the year. They cover the entire area from the Adams Rivers bridge east to St. Ives.

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Devine says with so much uncertainty about COVID-19, the group wanted to take the necessary precautions.

“We don’t know who’s infected. We don’t know who’s been travelling in a car that are going from the airport to quarantine,” he said. “If they’re involved in a motor vehicle accident and we come to treat them, we are now exposed.”

The North Shuswap First Responders are dispatched by BC Ambulance in crises where first responders are needed on scene.

The South Shuswap First Reponders have also stopped its emergency services temporarily due to COVID-19.

Those needing an emergency response in both areas can still call 911, whose dispatchers will send B.C. Emergency Health Services personnel.