WHEN someone is hurt every single second counts, and when you dial 9-1-1 the first person on scene is usually a firefighter.
But before Monday night, firefighters in West Vancouver couldn't use an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) or even use blood pressure monitors.
But that is going to change. Council unanimously endorsed the use of EpiPens and blood pressure monitoring devices by the municipality's firefighters after a presentation from Fire Chief Jim Cook and assistant chief Martin Leduc.
EpiPens are used to curb the effects someone may suffer from severe allergies. Many of those with severe allergies, such as to peanuts, carry an EpiPen. Use of them is quite simple with a quick jab and injection.
During the presentation Leduc and Cook said nearly 50 per cent of the department's calls are for first aid and not fires. In 2012, they had 1,811 calls, nearly 300 of which were from chest pains. But under the previous more restrictive policy they weren't legally allowed to use an EpiPen, an over-the-counter needle which can be bought from a pharmacy or online.
The fire department already has budget for the devices and is now ordering them as soon as possible.
Council asked Cook and Leduc to come back to council with more recommendations to improve the skill set of the fire department.
