North Shore Rescue now has several new devices that they say will help save the lives of critically injured patients in the backcountry.
The Canadian-made Oxylator is a mini-ventilator that delivers oxygen to a patient hands-free and can be used during technical rescues such as helicopter longlines, mountain rescues and rope rescues.
Previously, crews would have to use a similar device to deliver oxygen manually, which could be difficult and sometimes unsafe to do during a technical rescue in the backcountry. The new device will let rescuers continue automatic CPR while focusing on getting the patient out of a dangerous situation.
The crews say they had at least six patients last year alone who would have required the equipment.
The donation of the three devices, made by TB Vets, amounted to $6,000 and is being praised by volunteers like Curtis Jones, the son of late North Shore Rescue leader Tim Jones.
He says the current capabilities of the team would have been his father’s dream.
“We are at the top of our game,” says Jones, adding his father would have benefited from the technology himself.
Tim Jones died of a heart attack while returning from the team cabin on Mount Seymour almost two years ago. He was 57 years old.
“We are very proud to be adding this to our kit,” says Jones. “We know it will help some people.”
Guidelines still need to be written for the machines, which have not been used in the field yet, but it’s hoped they will be ready to save lives within the next few weeks.
With files from Catherine Urquhart
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