Our First Responders Recognition Presentation!
Our Master of Ceremonies, John Cooper welcomed and introduced each of our first responder services.
Chief Jared Cayley from the Gravenhurst Fire Department (GFD) opened up the First Responders Recognition with an overview of what is new locally for our Fire Department:
They have been hoping for a new fire truck which has doubled in price over the three years that they first priced and requested funding for; $380,00 to $800,000. The GFD has two grant applications out for which they are hoping good news soon! Other updates and additions include new fire dispatch services (e.g. fibre optics), new software to streamline systems (“First Due”), Focused Drive Recruitment, communication upgrades, Fire Master Plan/Community Risk Assessment. Chief Cayley finished his presentation identifying that our community’s greatest risks are climate change and wildfires. He pointed out that the 2024 wildfire season is projected to be worse than the 2023 season which already had broken records. In Alberta, they have started their wildfire season 2 weeks early. One exciting bit of news was that the GFD has been approved to have a Gravenhurst High School Co-op student…who has been approved to attend “calls”. Exciting yet challenging times ahead!
Stuart McKinnon,
Deputy Chief, Muskoka Paramedic Services recounted a situation which demanded calm, clear thinking and action by our paramedics.
Paramedics Mike Righetti and Jack Gilbert were dispatched to a residence in Bracebridge for an elderly patient who was experiencing chest pain. Upon their arrival on scene, they began treating the patient, then identified that the patient was having a serious heart attack with a completely blocked coronary artery. They activated their bypass protocol and the patient was accepted at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), Barrie. While on route, the patient went into cardiac arrest and Paramedic Righetti defibrillated the patient twice. They were able to divert into Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Orillia where the patient was stabilized enough to carry on their journey to RVH. Their patient was able to undergo cardiac catheterization, removing the blockages from their heart. The patient made an otherwise healthy recovery following their surgery.
“While treating patients with cardiac issues, including heart attacks is a normal part of what Muskoka’s Paramedics do, it takes sharply honed knowledge and skills to quickly adapt to changing patient conditions and we are proud that Paramedics like Mike and Jack continue to ensure they are always ready to provide the best care possible to residents and visitors to Muskoka.”
These two paramedics have chosen Hospice Muskoka for their donation of $125 from the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst in their names.
OPP Inspector Wade Beebe relayed an experience involving many services in a harrowing situation.
The OPP received a call of 3 ATVs in trouble in a very remote area. One ATV, with a female rider went over a 15 to 20 foot ridge. Various land, water and air Emergency Vehicles were required to try to extricate the victim. The various services were required to clear trees to create a landing and pathways for a helicopter to attempt the rescue. The victim had serious head injuries and she ended up being removed across the land after being hoisted up the embankment in a lift. The responders carried her through the remote bush. Inspector Beebe credits the three emergency services working together in partnership to help rescue and save the female rider. Inspector Bebbe credits the efforts of the following officers who were recognized today:
The officers are:
Constable Troy NOAKES
Constable Daniel KEAN
Constable Brett PARCELLS
These officers were supported by helicopter pilot and spotter Mike Kirkimanki and Jason Oxby. Inspector Beebe is going to have them cited for their great support.
The three officers have chosen Mind-Aid Muskoka for their charity to receive $125 from the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst.