After "countless hours" of preparation, St. John Ambulance is ready to send 52 yellow-coated first responders to provide medical aid to an estimated 15,000 Canada Winter Games fans.
That translates to 600 volunteer hours, as workers give aid from early morning to late at night for 17 days, the non-profit said in a release Tuesday.
Many of the first aid experts come from all across the province, as well as Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge. They will be billeted by community members, after the group made a plea for more beds in mid January.
"I am grateful for the community of Prince George for supporting our volunteers by opening up their homes and providing a place for them to stay during the games," said Karen MacPherson, chief executive officer of the British Columbia and Yukon chapter.
"We have a team of well-trained volunteers excited to be participating in 2015 Canada Winter Games."
They will act as medical first responders for Canada Winter Games staff, volunteers, and sports fans from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 21 venues. Janet Ames, the chief medical officer for the Canada Winter Games, and her medical staff provide care for all the athletes and team members.
Spectators can look for the trademark bright yellow coats, shoulder badges and mobile command posts if they need help. St. John Ambulance staff will be shuttled between venues in one of its seven branded vehicles or by foot.
The Games chair of medical services said St. John Ambulance, which has provided medical training and services in Canada for 130 years, is a good fit.
"The safety of our spectators is of utmost importance to us and having the premier first aid and safety organization in Canada on hand gives us peace of mind," Rob Stewart said.
