Vernon Search and Rescue has the latest in life-saving equipment thanks to community support.
The volunteer unit recently received a LifePak 15 monitor/defibrillator from the Kiwanis Club of Vernon-Four Seasons.
“Primarily used with the helicopter winch rescue team, this device is a combined automatic external defibrillator and patient monitor that allows the on-board medical teams to accurately monitor and treat rescued subjects onboard, within the often noisy and turbulent confines of the helicopter during flight,” said Trevor Honigman, with Vernon SAR.
“It can be difficult or impossible using standard hand-held equipment to accurately determine and monitor blood pressure and heart rate due to the noise and vibrations present during flight. This critical piece of advanced medical equipment is ideal for search and rescue situations due to its portability, durability and capacity to display an individual’s vital data even in extreme environments.”
Vernon SAR volunteers respond to calls throughout the year across more than 7,500 square kilometres.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Kiwanis Club, this device increases our effectiveness in saving the lives of those being rescued,” said Honigman.