This fall the Battlefords Scuba Community was the recipient of a significant gift from one of its members.
Darren Erbach of Fisher Drugs presented the club with an Automated External Defibrillator. This piece of equipment will enhance the safety of club members while diving at a club event.
In making the presentation, Erbach stated that he is a big believer in giving back to the groups that he is involved with. He has been an active member of the Battlefords Scuba Community for the past two years.
The AED is a device used to shock the heart back into normal rhythm should it go into fibrillation. The use of such equipment is commonly taught on emergency first aid courses. Their use has been credited with saving many lives that might otherwise have been lost. Over the past number of years AED's have made an appearance in many public spaces and are becoming more common.
The divers of the BSC are often found at lakes far removed from the nearest hospital or even ambulance base. Should an accident occur, there could be considerable delay between the time of the accident and the arrival of EMS help, let alone arrival at a hospital or care centre. The availability of an AED on site could very well lead to much improved chances of recovery the diver or other party who is stricken. Several of the club members are trained in the use of the AED and in providing emergency oxygen. The equipment and trained personnel could be a key in prolonging life until advanced life support can arrive.
Divers with the BSC can feel safer on their dives with the availability of the equipment. The members of the club extend their heartfelt thanks to Erbach for his generous donation. Such generosity is what makes life in smaller communities so rich.
