A life and death scenario can happen without warning, and, being prepared to administer life saving techniques as quickly as possible is crucial.
Helping in the event of such an emergency is what Gull Lake North Citizens on Patrol are trained to do and, therefore, they were most grateful to receive $3,136.00 from Rimbey Lions Club to purchase two automatic emergency defibrillators.
The defibrillators are user friendly, and once the defibrillator pads are applied, the operator is given audible/visual prompts to assist in proper administration of CPR. The unit’s lid acts as a passive airway support to maintain the victim’s open airway and comes with a one-piece CPR pad, scissors and non-latex gloves and 10 lithium batteries required for operations.
Maintenance costs are minimal since the shelf life of both the CPR pads and batteries is approximately five years.
To be ready to assist a child who needs CPR, Lakewatch Security has purchased pediatric defibrillator pads for the AEDs.
Secretary Irene Wegmann said AHA 2010 guidelines note that if bystanders do nothing for a collapsed victim, the chance of survival drops about 10 per cent every minute. However, if bystanders can immediately begin CPR and keep it up, the chance of survival only drops three to four per cent per minute. At that rate approximately 10 minutes after collapse the chance of survival remains at least 60 per cent.
Research shows that the probability of survival for a collapsed victim goes up dramatically when CPR is performed and when an AED is applied before an ambulance arrives.
“Our lake neighborhoods are located some 12 to 15 minutes from Rimbey and Bentley where the nearest AED devices are located so having more immediate access is crucial,” she said.
Gull Lake North Citizens on Patrol has been in operation for eleven years. During that time they truly have been the extra eyes and ears for the Rimbey RCMP in a variety of ways. Their accomplishments include helping recover stolen property, assisting in the apprehension of a drunk driver, and helping rescue young men stranded for several hours in the water in Gull Lake.
The members do not confront anyone or try to stop a crime in progress; instead, they observe and report their findings to the RCMP. Working in pairs, COP patrol the lake neighborhoods of Sunnyside, Poulsen’s Pasture, Poulsen’s Estates, Parkland Beach including Aspen Rise, Birch Bay, Birch Meadows, Twin Creek Acres and Westlake Estates. Magnetic signs are placed on the outside of their private vehicles as a means of identification.
The group received some municipal funding when they began operations in August, 2002, but are now primarily self-sufficient. Their on-going operating costs are met through fundraising and their primary source of income is an annual garage sale comprised of items donated from people in their patrol areas, and, occasionally from the RCMP.
Proceeds from the sale go to cover maintenance of patrol kit equipment which includes a scanner radio, a cell phone, night vision goggles and high-intensity flashlights and replacement of first aid supplies.
Keeping members up-to-date with first aid training costs about $1,500 every three years.
The financial assistance from the Rimbey Lions to purchase the AED units was most welcomed by the COP and 17 of their 26 members have recently completed first aid courses with CPR, which included training on AEDs. In-house training is based on the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association reference manual.
Wegmann noted the lake areas comprise over 925 properties and include a growing number of year round residents, whose children ride a school bus to and from Rimbey schools.
In addition, the population numbers swell at RV Heaven Campground & Marina, Parkland Beach Campground and the newly upgraded Parkland Beach during summer weekends as well as during fishing derbies and on-ice motorcycle races.