News Release Archive
HEALTH--FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAM ----------------------------------------------------------------- Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia, in cooperation with the School of Emergency Health Services at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, is currently piloting a first responder program with six fire departments on the Eastern Shore. The first responder program is an important initiative in all areas of the province but in more remote areas it can mean the difference between life and death. The program provides medical training to community groups such as fire departments who are normally the first emergency care group to respond to an emergency. The main role for first responders is to provide emergency care until an ambulance can arrive at the scene. Training for first responders includes advanced first aid, basic airway management, trauma care, CPR and may include defibrillation. A first responder education coordinator has been hired by the School of Emergency Health Services at the QEII Health Sciences Centre to survey the current level of training among these groups and to develop consistent training standards for the rest of the province. Already many fire departments provide medical assistance to their communities. Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia is working with these groups to ensure a consistent level of training and education is available. Nova Scotia's first responder program has been piloted on the Eastern Shore for the past eight months. The pilot program has combined training efforts with representation from the local ambulance operator, hospital nursing staff and fire departments in Jeddore/Oyster Pond, Ostrea Lake/Pleasant Point, Musquodoboit Harbour, Chezzetcook, Lake Echo and Lawrencetown. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp June 24, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.