Helping Paw

June 29, 2020

After a three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. John Ambulance’s Campbell River branch is reopening for training, and their local volunteers are returning to support their community, starting June 29.

Due to the pandemic, St. John Ambulance closed branches and paused all community service programs, including therapy dog visits and medical first responder support for community events and activities. However, during this unprecedented time, their medical first responder volunteers stepped up to provide support by volunteering in other ways – such as at Canadian Blood Service clinics, the Topaz Park camp for the homeless in Victoria as well as helping support the development of an alternate care centre at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

As the province continues to flatten the curve and cautiously enter phase 3, the charity’s volunteers are making a safe comeback. Their charitable community service programs include the therapy dog, medical first responder, and youth program. All volunteers are committed to returning to community service and will ensure they follow all COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to keep themselves, and those around them safe while they lend a hand (or paw).

“Our volunteers have been preparing for the new reality and all look forward to facilitating the restart of activities in our communities and continuing to do what we do best: helping people when they need it,” said Ross Nichols, Vancouver Island Area Commissioner for St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon.

To request the services of St. John Ambulance volunteers, whether it’s a visit from therapy dogs or trained medical first responders providing first aid for an event, contact bcy.volunteer@sja.ca for consideration.

Outside of their volunteer work, the St. John Ambulance Campbell River branch is also resuming their first aid training. The branch has implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 plan that follows both WorkSafeBC guidelines, and those from the provincial medical officer to ensure the safety of all students, instructors, and staff members.

Protocols in place include taking a self-declaration from students and staff upon arrival, requiring students to bring their own pocket mask and non-surgical masks to courses, implement of physical distancing measures, and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of all areas.