Oil-soaked seagulls rescued 5 / Winter Wonderland returns to city hall 9
the richmond
Gateway channels Gershwin for Christmas musical 15
REVIEW RICHMONDREVIEW.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014
40 PAGES
Response to medical calls could drop for firefighters Fire department could be left out of one-third of all medical calls by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter Richmond Fire-Rescue’s emergency response to medical calls could drop by one-third if proposed province-wide changes take effect. In a report to city council Monday, the fire department updated council on the impacts of recent dispatch protocol changes in B.C.—and the potential for further changes. So far the changes have improved ambulance response time in the most critical of cases, but has also resulted in a “significant slowing of the lower acuity calls,” according to deputy fire chief Tim Wilkinson. If all changes are introduced, the fire department would no longer be dispatched to 33 per cent of all medical calls firefighters currently respond to. Coun. Linda McPhail said that would result in a reduced level of service in Richmond—highlighting the need for council to advocate to the B.C. Emergency Health Services that no further changes be made without Richmond having a say. “I know that the community would want us to strongly advocate for maintaining Richmond Fire-Rescue’s current levels of service, and the importance of their attendance at medical events.” Reducing the number of calls for firefighters wouldn’t mean cuts to fire hall staff. Wilkinson noted the department is staffed to meet its primary mandate of fire coverage and “there would be no reduction in staff expected.” Changes would, however, lead to some savings in fuel and fire vehicle maintenance, as well as freeing up staff to conduct more fire prevention and education work. Changes to emergency response ensure “we provide the right care, to the right patient, at the right time,” according to a letter from William Dick, vice-president of medical programs for B.C. Emergency Health Services, which oversees the B.C. Ambulance Service.
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Martin van den Hemel photo Santa accepts a donation at the annual Richmond Christmas Fund drive-thru event at Lansdowne Centre’s parking lot next to the Lansdowne Station of the Canada Line. See more photos on page 3.
Christmas Fund Drive-thru another success More than $10,000 in cash raised, along with hundreds of toys/gifts by Martin van den Hemel Staff Reporter Richmond Christmas Fund community chair Wayne Duzita had already labelled Thursday morning’s drive-thru event at Lansdowne Centre another major success even before a new Richmond RCMP megavan rolled up to the drop-off station, so big that it couldn’t fit under the tent.
He stole a line from Santa when the rear door to the van opened, revealing the vehicle was filled from front to back, eliciting a “Ho, ho, ho, ho” from Duzita, who was all smiles. “We were a little concerned that the weather would keep people away,” said Duzita. “But that wasn’t the case at all. The community came out in huge numbers to show their support for the Christmas Fund. I think nearly twice as many toys were donated this year compared to last. It’s just a wonderful event to be a part of.” The fourth-annual fundraiser raised $9,000 in cash from the Lansdowne location, and another $1,175 from the new
River Rock drop-off point, added this year to bring greater convenience to the many locals who use the Canada Line to get to and from work each day. “Our sponsors, the volunteers, the donors—this event is successful because of them,” said Volunteer Richmond executive director Elizabeth Specht. “The drive-thru event is an outlet for their incredible generosity, and we can’t thank them enough for their support. The spirit of giving on display today is what the Christmas Fund is all about.” Those who donated cash or toys for the Richmond Christmas Fund were thanked for their generosity, receiving a hot cup of coffee and a muffin.
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