Nourish Wellness has collaborated with the Comox Firefighters Association to add yet another automatic external defibrillator (AED) in Comox. This will be located at 1822 Comox Ave, Comox.
Nourish Wellness sees the value of having this important piece of equipment available to their clients and staff.
Chief Gord Schreiner states: “It is great to see businesses like this assisting us in our efforts to have AEDs available all over Comox. I am also very proud of our firefighters for their support of this important project. We now have almost fifty AEDs located in Comox”
Schreiner’s long term goal is to have an AED available in almost every business and public building in Comox. Public access AEDS are very simple to use, maintain and can save lives!
A public access AED costs approximately $2000.00. The Comox firefighters have been co-sponsoring the AEDS with local Comox businesses who agree to donate half of this amount ($1000.00). The Comox firefighters cover the remaining cost and place an AED in the business. They also provide both CPR and AED training to the businesses staff.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any time—during work, while at church, or while visiting your local business. Fewer than 10% of SCA victims typically survive, but studies show that 30% to 50% would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse. Communities across the country are responding by implementing Public Access Defibrillation programs. Public Access Defibrillation programs include both access to AEDS and training.
Comox Fire Rescue knows the value of AEDs as they carry AEDs on all of their emergency vehicles and also have one mounted in their fire station.
Please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca if you have any questions.
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Lariviere
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn’t say there was one specific event that interested me in becoming a firefighter. As a little boy I grew up in and around Comox Fire Rescue and had a fascination with it right from that start, it just felt natural to follow in my fathers footsteps and join the service.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is giving back to the community that’s given me so much, and in the many ways we do. Whether it’s responding to the wide variety of emergencies in which we’re very well trained to deal with, or giving back through the many volunteering and community outreach programs we offer. Comox Fire is a family and I’m proud to be able to serve along side the many amazing people I do.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
My family consists of my sister Amanda who is a teacher with school district #71, my mother Pam, who is former military police, and my father Jim who is an Assistant Chief with at Comox Fire Rescue.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
When I’m not volunteering with Comox Fire, or at work at 19 wing, I enjoy being outside, exploring, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and just trying to stay active and healthy. Don’t get me wrong though, I like my relaxing nights in playing video games or watching Netflix.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, or fire safety, what would it be?
Since I joined the fire service in 2012, I’ve seen so many positive changes. Whether it be cancer prevention through decontamination and gear washing procedures and SOGs, or mental health initiatives…working towards ending the stigma surrounding PTSD. Although leaps and bounds have been made in both regards, I think there’s always room for improvement And am excited to see where the fire service is in 5, 10, 20 years these aspects.
“We are very thankful to have had Adam posted to CFB Comox after joining the military. Adam brings many years of service with Comox Fire and a great amount of experience and knowledge. Thanks for all your service Adam! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Comox Fire Department will be offering a Free CPR Level A to citizens of the Comox Valley. This class will cover the skills needed to respond to cardiovascular and choking emergencies. Registration is required.
Contact the Comox Recreation Centre to register: www.comox.ca/recreation or 250-339-2255 info@comox.ca
The course is held at the Comox Fire hall - 1870 Noel Ave. on the following dates:
Friday, Jan 31
Friday, Feb 21
Friday, March 27
Friday, April 24
Friday, May 29
Friday, June 26
(Click on images to enlarge them)
Sunday afternoon (Jan. 19) Comox Fire Rescue received a report of a fully involved vehicle fire located between two homes. The department provided a very rapid and professional response including sending their rapid intervention vehicle first which arrived on scene in less than four minutes with a crew of four firefighters. This vehicle carries 250 gallons of water. That crew was able to protect the homes and hold the fire until two larger fire engines could arrive. In total Comox send four vehicles and 21 firefighters. Damage to the home was limited to the exterior however, the vehicle was destroyed.
Chief Schreiner states: “We have been using a rapid intervention vehicle as our first out now for many years and it has really made a big difference. Using a smaller vehicle with a smaller crew allows us to get the vehicle out the door faster providing quicker service and stabilizing problems until we can get the larger fire engines and crews there.
In addition to this our crews are very well trained and this training has really paid off in terms of service delivery and safety. I am so proud of the dedication and training of our team here.”
Comox has approximately fifty-five firefighters and responded to over six hundred emergencies last year
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Scott Boyd
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I have been in the Canadian Military for 25 years, and firefighter since 2013. A fellow member at CFB Comox highly recommended Comox Fire to me when we were on our DP2 course together in Borden. He was absolutely correct and I haven’t looked back.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
The people, the professionalism, and the knowledge base along with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that just make sense.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I’m a complete hobbyist. I also run the Brazilian Jiutitsu club on base, Mon/Wed/Fri 1730ish-1900. This is also open to non-military peoples. Consider this an advertisement ;)
"Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also full time firefighters at 19 Wing. They bring a great deal of training and experience to the department. Thank you for your commitment Scott." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
