First Responders

Community First Responders Political Safety 

An improved roadmap of northern Alberta includes better emergency exits during wildfires, UCP says

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Improved economic corridors and emergency routes will eventually remap the way drivers navigate the north, the legislature heard during a week that saw UCP faithful emphasize spending beyond Alberta’s major centres. Andrew Boitchenko, the member for Drayton Valley-Devon, highlighted $311 million for emergency routes in Alberta. He also spoke of further spending on a … Read more…

First Responders Health & Wellbeing Safety 

Stay informed about measles in Alberta

Posted on: Staff Writer

Alberta’s government is asking Albertans to be aware of measles symptoms and to access resources to protect themselves and prevent further spread. Measles cases are increasing globally, with numerous countries and travel destinations reporting outbreaks. Cases have been identified in several Canadian provinces, including an outbreak recently identified in northern Alberta. As of March 13, health officials have confirmed six … Read more…

Economic First Responders Political 

Firefighting support boosted at community level

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The government is throwing fuel on the firefighting in Alberta communities this year to bolster public safety. More support for training and response is being combined with enhanced collaboration to “help keep Albertans and their communities safe,” said Tany Yao, the UCP member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. The government is providing $585,000 to support … Read more…

Community First Responders Local News 

Fire department welcomes new engine with push-in ceremony

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt Starting in the 1880s, after fire department crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, the animals were unable to back into the fire station.Consequently, fire department members were required to take the horses off the equipment, and push it into the bay themselves.Over time, with the development of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the … Read more…

First Responders 

First responders play vital role in M.D. of Willow Creek

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtThe role of firefighters has evolved over time.Once primarily concerned with answering fire calls and motor vehicle collisions, the role has expanded to involve so much more as first responders.“You’re expected to be a jack of all trades,” said Kelly Starling, emergency services manager for the Municipal District of Willow Creek.That includes fires, medical calls, motor vehicle collisions, … Read more…

First Responders Health & Wellbeing Local News 

Hospital receives chest compression system

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm General Hospital has received a new piece of valuable equipment that will benefit health care in the community.The LUCAS Chest Compression System arrived two weeks ago, and with staff trained last week, is already in use.Barry Arnestad, clinical nurse educator, said the new equipment is a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR device that allows nurses and doctors to … Read more…

First Responders Local News 

RCMP welcomes new member

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtThe newest member of the Claresholm detachment of the RCMP is settling in nicely.Constable Marcus Henningsson started his posting in Claresholm on April 12, just four days after graduating from training at Depot in Regina on April 8.His trainer is Constable Chris Vytek.“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “The community is fantastic.“Everybody’s very receptive.”Henningsson, whose father is from Sweden … Read more…