The Battlefords Scuba Community and the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre joined forces to provide a training opportunity for the staff at the aquatics centre. A grant from the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs CDC provided funds for the training. The staff members were given further and formal training in the use of oxygen for patients in emergency situations.
Twenty-six staff members, lifeguards, instructors and supervisors gave up their Saturday morning May 11 to further their knowledge and expertise in the use of oxygen equipment to assist persons in difficulty, whether it be due to fainting, shock, heart attack, near drowning or some other first aid emergency. They learned the theory behind the use of oxygen in these situations, what equipment was available and how to use and maintain it. The hands-on portion included assembling and dismantling the equipment, using the variety of masks available, and safe handling of the high-pressure cylinders. The students said they enjoyed the session and felt more confident using the equipment that has been standard at the pool for many years. Certified staff members had previously provided informal training for staff coming on board, but it has been a long time since a certification course has been run.
The instructors for the day stressed oxygen is used for more than near drowning, and the many situations in which oxygen has been administered at the pool were outlined - diabetic incidents, shock, fainting and asthma. It was also pointed out that in any traumatic incident, oxygen can be of assistance. The scuba club members stressed in the event of a diving incident in the pool or at a lake, oxygen is a vital part of the treatment while a person is transported to medical facilities.
Dennis McCullough, BSC president and one of the instructors for the workshop, said it was a benefit to the club and its members to have trained staff available at the pool in the unlikely event of a diving incident. Angie Laughlin, a ski patrol instructor and oxygen therapy instructor, reiterated oxygen is used in many situations, citing examples from her experience at Table Mountain over the past number of years. Knowing the appropriate techniques for oxygen administration seemed to make the staff members feel more relaxed about that aspect of their jobs, according to a press release.
A second session will be held to train the balance of the staff members.
Jodi Hargreaves, aquatic centre manager, said any training is good for her staff and this course was an unexpected gift. She was supported in her statement by Bill Samborski, general manager of recreation facilities, a veteran of many swimming pools. The Battlefords Scuba Community and the staff of the Battlefords Aquatic Centre expressed sincere appreciation for the generous funding from BATC which made this valuable training possible.
The grant has also funded some further training in skin diving and scuba diving for the staff at the aquatics centre that will facilitate an increased offering of aquatic activities in the facility. The club considers itself fortunate to have been selected to receive this funding.
