Team effort for long distance rescue
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Updated: November 03, 2009 9:26 AM
I would like to post this general note for those serving in our emergency rescue and paramedics services in Chilliwack. Currently on vacation, I received a phone call from my partially disabled mother, informing me that she had fallen and was unable to get up. Having been on the floor alone in the house for nearly 24 hours, she had missed a number of insulin injections and had not eaten in quite some time.
I then called the ambulance services department from over 2,000 miles away and the ‘operator’ who took the call was more than helpful in assisting me with what information was available to me at the time. He was calm and professional, taking down all the information that I could relay. As I am on the phone, he assured me that he was placing a report and that paramedic assistance is “on the way”.
Being an older, disabled person alone in the house, her biggest concern was that the only means of access for the medics would be to break the door. The operator assured me that this would be a “last resort” action. Upon our discussion, it was introduced that a means of access could be gained through a second storey window. The operator then placed an assistance call to the Chilliwack Rescue department for a ladder to gain entry.
Once finished with the paramedics services, I then called home again and talked with my mother. By now, exhausted, tired and missing some doses of important medication, she was nervous and scared. While on the phone, I could hear the medics gain entry and try to calm her down as they prepared to take her to Chilliwack General Hospital.
All this was orchestrated from over 2,000 miles of distance and still the rescue and paramedics services answered the call quickly, professionally and with dignity. I owe them a great amount of gratitude and sincere appreciation in their dedication to the safety and security of everyone in our community.
Steve Voteary
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