Charge into Action

Following Floods

Within hours after officials issued flood-related evacuation orders to residents of several Vancouver Island communities late last week, Red Cross staff and volunteers were on the ground, providing emergency hygiene and cleanup kits, as well as other relief supplies to affected residents.

About a dozen Red Cross volunteers and staff sprang to action with approximately 15 more on standby. Nathan Huculak, Communications Coordinator for the Red Cross, says the quick response from the Disaster Management team was fantastic.

“Having enough trained volunteers to deploy to the affected area made it possible for us to assist people immediately,” says Huculak. “Right now we have enough people activated to provide assistance, but the situation and weather continues to be unstable, so we may need to call on more volunteers in the near future,” he says.

The area was hit last week with significant flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed a number of Island rivers. Hundreds of residents in more than 150 homes were forced to evacuate. More than 80 homes sustained damage. Bouts of heavy precipitation continue to rain down on saturated river channels, and a good portion of the Island remains on high alert.

Right now, Huculak says volunteers are focused on providing capacity and needs assessments for flood affected residents on behalf of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The Red Cross in BC is part of a multi-agency committee established earlier this year to coordinate recovery efforts in the Cowichan Valley. Red Cross is one of several agencies in addition to government representatives working together to provide emergency services including temporary housing, food, clothing, and other items to flood affected residents.

Huculak says the partnership is a great example of how agencies are stronger together than apart. “We are already seeing the impact of this new recovery group. We were all at the table together within hours, ready to coordinate our efforts and help people more quickly and efficiently.” he explains.

Families wishing to make an appointment for a flood assessment can call 250-746-2561. The Red Cross is conducting assessments out of the Cowichan Flood Resilience Centre at the Duncan Christian Reform Church at 930 Trunk Road.

Below are the differences between WCB OFA level 1 Level 2 and Level 3 Courses.

Register for a first aid course 250.878.6690

www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Occupational First Aid Level 1

A basic one day/8 hour course covering the essential ABC’s – airway, breathing and circulation. How to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress and control bleeding. One person CPR, minor wound care and records / reports are also part of the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 2

A 36 hour first aid course primarily designed for the urban first aid attendant but is applicable whenever the WorkSafe BC Regulations require certification to the OFA 2 Level.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation which includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one person CPR. In addition, patient assessment, hard collar application, upper limb splinting and minor wound care are covered.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 3

A 70-hour first aid course designed with the rural or attendant in heavy industry in mind. A prerequisite for employment with the BC Ambulance Service, many ski patrols and some Fire / Police Departments.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation – includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one and two person CPR. In addition, continuing patient assessment, hard collar application, securing a patient to a spine board, upper and lower limb splinting and minor wound care are covered. Completion of records and reports are an integral part of the course.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course. Course medical required.

International First Aid Day

Next first aid course Nov 29.2009 or December 06.2009 !! Register today and start saving a life.

2-Coed Instructors – Red Cross Internationally recognized certifications

250.878.6690

www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Staff training in Lower mainland - Chilliwack BC First Aid & CPR Recertification

If your staff needs first aid training from Vancouver Island, to Manitoba our first class instructors can tailor your company needs. Or you can enroll in one of our Standard or Child Care firld aid courses.

Register Now the next course intake is Kelowna Vernon Penticton BC October 04.2009 ( Standard First Aid , Child Care First Aid , CPR , AED, and Recertifications). Call to reserve your spot or visit Approved First Aid training Center website. Call for other locations and training dates.

http://www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Telephone; 250.878.6690

Actar 911 CPR First Aid Training Manikins ( Mannequins ) Industry Standard.