Fire Department to re-initiate First Responder role

By David F. Rooney

Revelstoke firefighters trained as First Responders will be responding to medical emergencies along with paramedics starting on Nov. 2 at 8 a.m., says Fire Chief Rob Girard.

“I am very pleased with this,” he said in an interview after a fire at Revelstoke Mountain Resort earlier today.

“Starting on Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. we will begin assisting the BC Ambulance Service as First responders when there are medical emergencies.

Fifteen local firefighters have First Responder status and Engine No. 1 has been equipped with a First Responder’s equipment bag and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The Highway Rescue Society truck has also been equipped with a First Responder’s equipment bag but not an AED, Girard said.

“We can help save a life,” he said. “Revelstoke did have a First Responder’s program a few years ago but that was cancelled. I am strongly supportive of this program and so are the members. I am very pleased that we can do this again.”