Three one-day workshops this past weekend certified 34 Cortes Island residents with critical life-saving skills as emergency first aid responders.

The training was organized by the Cortes Community Health Association Family Support Program, which has done so every few years for the last decade. Desta Beattie, Family Support Coordinator, told CKTZ News that, “This particular training was supported in part by funding from the Union for BC Municipalities FireSmart Recovery grant written by Strathcona Regional District Emergency Services to provide skills training for youth.” 

On Cortes Island, emergency medical services can take as long as 45 minutes to arrive on the scene.

Topics included emergency scene assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), as well as treatment for shock, an obstructed airway, burns and much more. “At least eight local organizations and small businesses sponsored their staff to attend this training, as it is WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 1 equivalent,” said Beattie. 

All three days were taught by instructor Amin Jivraj through the BC and Yukon branch of The Lifesaving Society. He has taught over 100 lifeguard and first aid courses and would like to see a world where basic first aid training is compulsory.

Jivraj spoke to CKTZ News about the first few critical minutes of emergency response and the importance of activating Emergency Medical Services via 911.