Natalie Dunleavy
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 06, 2007

Somba K'e/Yellowknife - Deh Cho residents could lend a hand at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games, and trained first responders are particularly in demand.

Of the 2,500 volunteers required for a successful running of the games, which will be hosted in Yellowknife, the committee needs 160 to provide first aid at the 19 sports venues.

"We need them in order to provide effective service at the games," said Dr. Ewan Affleck, who is in charge of the volunteer medical team.

More than 2,200 people including coaches and athletes will be in the territorial capital for the games, and an organized first responder system will help alleviate the pressure on the hospital emergency room.

"These people require a dedicated health service," said Affleck.

To properly function, the first responder team will be spread throughout the sports venues, with a clinic set up at the Multiplex for triage. Triage is a system of sorting patients according to need.

Affleck said with a clinic at the multiplex, they can determine who needs hospital attention, and be ready to treat minor injuries.

He said trauma-related injuries and infectious diseases, such the flu, are the most likely issues to be handled at the games.

According to Affleck, hockey, skating events and wrestling are examples of sports with a higher risk of trauma-related injuries such as sprains and soft tissue injuries.

But with so many people flying into the city and staying in large groups, illness is a prime concern.

"It's problematic because people will be billeted together," said Affleck.

The Games will cover the cost of training for those who aren't certified.

Affleck encourages professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, massage therapists and chiropractors to sign up, as it will provide well-rounded service during the Games.

Although the AWG committee will also cover the cost for volunteers that provide 60 hours of service.

The Medical First Responder Level 1 course, which is the minimum required for first responders, is provided by St. John Ambulance.

This month, the course will take place in Yellowknife as a five-day session Sept. 16-18, 22, and 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The course will prepare responders to deal with medical- and trauma-related emergencies.

Besides being useful to the Arctic Winter Games, Affleck said the first responder training is good for anyone to have.

"Having the knowledge will be a benefit regardless of what you are doing," he said.