Burn Fund focused on Bright Nights 50/50 following decrease in online donations
For Immediate Release
Burn Fund focused on Bright Nights 50/50 following
decrease in online donations
Vancouver, BC –With online donations down by 40 per cent this holiday season, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is calling on the public to support the Bright Nights 50/50. Today the jackpot surpassed a milestone of $200,000. The Burn Fund hopes to make it to $1 million by New Year’s Eve.
“The Burn Fund relies on its holiday fundraisers to cover the costs of programs for burn survivors year-round. Our charity receives no government funding and depends on the support of generous donors and the public through fundraisers like the Bright Nights 50/50,” says Gord Ditchburn, President, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
The charity of BC’s professional fire fighters is also seeing losses at Bright Nights in Stanley Park, which re-opened this year following its closure in 2020 due to Covid-19. This year, capacity at the event is 50 per cent, and with weeks of rainy weather donations at the gate are down by 70 per cent compared to 2019.
Proceeds from the Bright Nights 50/50 directly fund vitally needed programs for burn survivors - from accommodation through the Home Away Program and counseling for families who have been through a traumatic experience, to the beloved Burn Camp for kids - these programs would not be possible without the public’s support.
Tickets for the Bright Nights 50/50 are one for $15, three for $40, and six for $60. The deadline is New Year’s Eve with the draw taking place on January 10, 2021. Tickets can be purchased at trellis.org/bright-nights-5050 or burnfund.org.
ABOUT THE BURN FUND: Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC.
PHOTO ASSETS: Available via this link
MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org
6th Biennial Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial is Postponed
To all BC Affiliate Locals,
Re: Postponement of 2022 Fallen Fire Memorial
As a result of the most recent BC Government COVID-19 announcement imposing additional restrictions, the BCPFFA Executive Board has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 2022 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.
In addition, the decision was made to conduct the 2022 Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference in a virtual format. Details will be forthcoming on this annual event in the coming weeks.
These decisions reflect our desire to ensure the safety of our membership and their families and are consistent with widespread measures that medical authorities are recommending to minimize transmission of the COVID-19 virus. It is our hope that we will be able to gather in person to honour our Fallen Members in March 2023 without the current restrictions and uncertainties that we are currently facing.
Registration information for the Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference will be updated in the new year, in the meantime please direct any questions to Karyn Rose admin@bcpffa.org.
BC Government Enhancing emergency care for British Columbians
BC Government Enhancing emergency care for British Columbians
On December 3, 2021 the BC Ministry of Health Adrian Dix announced that the province is expanding the care fire fighters and paramedics can provide to British Columbians in emergency situations.
View BC Government News Release
Through several steps and an independent review, we are pleased to see forty three recommendations in total that are being put forward. Overall, these changes will help support the health-care system and critically needed prehospital care for people, allowing for better patient care, experience and outcomes.
The BC Government stated that the changes are further supported by increases to patient care that fire based EMS can provide including:
additional diagnostic testing such as blood pressure and blood glucose that can better inform fire fighters and paramedics about the next steps in care for a patient
administering epinephrine when needed for a life-threatening allergic reaction
supporting the preparation or packaging of patients for transport by paramedics
Fire fighters responding to incidents where they are waiting significant periods of time for ambulance paramedics will now be able to gather diagnostic information that assists the patient, and with medical oversight, be able to offer immediate treatment and interventions. Putting the patient first must always be the priority and these scope of practice changes will allow fire fighters the ability to offer an increased level of patient care.
We were pleased to hear Chair of the EMALB Ryan Sinden state in the press conference,
“It represents the most significant change over the last 30 years. As a paramedic I'm excited to deliver more comprehensive assessments and life-saving treatments to my patients. As a Fire fighter I appreciate the increase in diagnostics to better inform incoming paramedics of patient status as well as provide new time-sensitive treatments to patients in need. As an educator, I welcome the opportunity to design more fulsome training that will incorporate the new diagnostics skills and therapies to improve clinical care.
Finally as a British Columbian, I'm reassured that when somebody calls for help, responders will show up with more tools and training than they have ever had before, prehospital transport medicine has long been recognized as an important healthcare specialty that impacts everyone. My colleagues and I are really excited to see the frontier of emergency Health Services in British Columbia.”
It is critical fire fighters increase our skills to meet the demands of the public who in their time of need are putting their trust in the 9-1-1 system and the layered response pre-hospital care model, and these changes will assist in bringing a higher level of care to the patient
In July 2021, the province experienced a ‘heat dome’ weather event that negatively impacted our emergency medical system with service volume that could not be met, and sadly over 700 citizens succumbed to heat-related causes of death. And recently with the impact of the devastating floods, with communities cut off from outside help, the ability to offer am improved level of care for those in need clearly demonstrates the need for these changes.
In August 2021, the BCPFFA executive board and EMS committee presented twenty six comprehensive recommendations to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), in addition to all stakeholders including the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Provincial Health Services Authority, BCEHS, Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC), Office of the Fire Commissioner, urban and rural fire chiefs, urban and rural representatives from the Local Government Management Association (LGMA), First Nations Emergency Support Services (FNESS), First Nations Health Authority and Patient Voices Network) that collectively believe will enhance the way fire based EMS can serve the public.
These recommendations not only address the First Responder (FR) level but that of the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level, and were offered in a manner that addresses both the rural and metro settings that the pre-hospital care system serves.
On behalf of the BCPFFA we thank the BC Government for making these highly anticipated changes in pre-hospital care and for seeing the value in enhancing the scope of practice for all fire fighters and paramedics. These changes will make a difference in the delivery of care for citizens across the province.
Regards,
Gord Ditchburn
President
Bright Nights in Stanley Park opens tomorrow
For immediate release
Bright Nights in Stanley Park opens tomorrow
Vancouver, BC – The 24th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park opens tomorrow, bringing some much-needed festive cheer to the Lower Mainland. Tickets can be purchased online and the event continues into the New Year, closing January 2, 2022.
Much like Santa’s sleigh, the candy cane red fire truck is polished and ready in position at Bright Nights in Stanley Park. A larger than life reindeer welcomes guests as they pass through the tunnel of lights on their way to the Bright Nights Train, transporting them to a winter wonderland.
“Every year fire fighters look forward to coming together to create displays for families to enjoy at Bright Nights. We truly hope that we can spread some joy this festive season, especially since it has been such a challenging year for so many in our province,” says Ray Boucher, Vice President, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Bright Nights is a partnership between the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund and the Vancouver Park Board. Each year, fire fighters travel from across BC to volunteer and create special light displays for Bright Nights in Stanley Park. They work alongside a dedicated Vancouver Park Board team who create a magical train experience year after year.
Last year the Vancouver Park Board took that train experience virtual as the in-person event was cancelled due to the pandemic. The Burn Fund pivoted too, creating the Bright Nights 50/50 which reached a jackpot of $525,660. This year the 50/50 continues as an extension of Bright Nights with an even bigger jackpot of up to $1 million. Launched on November 18th, the jackpot has already surpassed $60,000. Tickets can be purchased online.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park is the Burn Fund’s largest annual fundraising event, raising approximately a half a million dollars each year thanks to donations and partial proceeds from train tickets. All proceeds from Bright Nights in Stanley Park and the Bright Nights 50/50 support burn survivors in BC and the Yukon. Support services include the Home Away Program, which offers free accommodations to families travelling to Vancouver for treatment, as well as Burn Camp programs for children and young adults.
This year Bright Nights operates with a reduced capacity. Guests must show their train tickets to enter the park and will board the train in their specified time slot. Masks are recommended and a full overview of safety precautions can be found at Vancouver.ca/BrightNights.
-30-
MEDIA PREVIEW: Thursday, November 25, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
P: 604.436.5617
Bright Nights 50/50
For Immediate Release November 18, 2021
Bright Nights 50/50 returns with potential $1 million jackpot
Vancouver, BC – The Bright Nights 50/50 returns in support of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Tickets are on sale starting today and the deadline is New Year’s Eve. This year the jackpot could reach up to $1 million dollars - winner takes half!
The Burn Fund is the charity of BC’s 4,000 professional fire fighters. Proceeds from the Bright Nights 50/50 enable the 43-year-old charity to offer free programs and support to burn survivors across BC and the Yukon.
“Last year we pivoted to create the Bright Nights 50/50 to continue funding our vital programs for burn survivors. This year we hope to hit a jackpot of $1 million dollars to expand our programs and offer additional mental health support services to burn survivors,” says Gord Ditchburn, President, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
The Bright Nights 50/50 was created in 2020 to recoup lost funds due to the cancellation of Bright Nights. The Burn Fund’s single largest fundraising event annually raises up to $500,000. This year, a scaled-back Bright Nights will reopen with reduced capacity and the Bright Nights 50/50 will continue as an extension of the beloved event.
Tickets for the Bright Nights 50/50 are one for $15, three for $40, and six for $60. The deadline is 11:59 on New Year’s Eve with the draw taking place on January 10, 2021. Tickets can be purchased at https://trellis.org/bright-nights-5050?utm_campaign=bcpffa or burnfund.org.
ABOUT THE BURN FUND: Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC.
MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org
More ambulance-fire integration? B.C. officials poised to make announcement
Penny Daflos CTV News Vancouver Multi-Media Journalist
Published Nov. 12, 2021 7:59 p.m. PST
VANCOUVER - The shocking death toll and collapse of the ambulance system during British Columbia’s devastating heat dome appears to be spurring the province to make changes to how much medical support firefighters provide before paramedics arrive.
CTV News Vancouver has been asking union leaders and government leadership whether a hybrid model or greater cooperation between the two could help with the 911 and ambulance crunch that’s seen increasingly high, sometimes record-breaking call volumes since the spring.
They were careful with their wording, but confirmed discussions are underway, and hinted that there could be some changes to the scope of firefighters’ medical role coming soon in response to the Health Minister opening the door to those discussions in the weeks after the heat dome.
"We're going to see a tighter partnership, there is some work that is going on now between this sort of tri-partnership meeting between the (health) ministry, fire and BCEHS,” said Leanne Heppell, chief ambulance officer for BC Emergency Health Services.
"We certainly are working closely and realizing that we want to make the most efficient use of all services to ensure we provide the timely care and access for our patients."
Former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts pointed out there have been discussions and panels and deliberations over the course of years, all pointing to a greater leveraging of fire halls and firefighters to support the ambulance service – perhaps even a hybrid fire-ambulance service like Winnipeg uses.
“Several models from around the world have been looked at and the outcome and the recommendations are about an integrated service,” Watts said. “That’s not new. It’s the practicality on the ground getting there because you’ve got two unions … It’s a matter of political will because those recommendations from all those task forces, all the work that’s been done, all of the studies, all of the best practices. It’s already there.”
THORNY FUNDING, JURISDICTIONAL, AND UNION ISSUES STALLING PROCESS
BC Emergency Health Services is funded by the province and manages paramedics, ambulances on the ground and air, and the dispatchers and specially-trained personnel who provide medical advice over the phone during 911 calls. It’s one of the only province-wide ambulance services in Canada.
The province has dozens of fire departments, however, funded and managed by each municipality. With their greater numbers and ubiquitous fire halls, these departments have found that more than half of all their call-outs for medical support.
"We've been advocating with government for years to have an increased role for firefighters,” said BC Professional Firefighters Association president Gord Ditchburn.
“It's not to take away from the work paramedics do by any means. The respect level we have for paramedics on the street it incredible … Firefighters have the ability to deliver naloxone and it makes a difference in a patient's life, so why can't we expand some of that to supporting prehospital care and our paramedics?”
While Heppell’s comments suggested that some fire halls could soon double as ambulance stations and that there are discussions around “different models of care,” the paramedics union is opposed to the idea.
“They don't want our job, we don't want their job," insisted Troy Clifford, president of Ambulance Paramedics and Dispatchers of B.C.
“That's being reviewed right now, but providing a duplication of services that goes on to municipal taxpayers is not what we need, nor expanding their roles so they can treat and transport. Fire departments are there for public safety, fire suppression and first response, and they fill that void very well.”
TECHNOLOGICAL, SOCIETAL AND PATIENT NEEDS CHANGING
Fire departments have had to reconsider their role in communities over the years, with smoke detectors dramatically reducing residential and commercial structure fires. Now, most call themselves “fire rescue services,” because they’re more likely to attend car crashes and carry out technical rescues or provide urgent medical attention than face flames.
Similarly, paramedics are responding to more calls for overdoses and the so-called loneliness epidemic; their next call could just as easily be to pick up a senior who’s living alone and suffered a fall as it could be to treat a gunshot wound. Their mental health calls have also skyrocketed in recent years, and the increasing delays in service are having impacts on police who count on them to take patients to hospital.
"Time that we spend waiting for an issue that's not necessarily a criminal issue or a public safety issue is time we can't be using to respond to people who are in need for other cases,” said Vancouver police Sgt. Steve Addison, explaining that officers will take people apprehended under the Mental Health Act to hospital in cage cars if the waits are extensive.
“It would be most appropriate for that person to be transported in an ambulance, however we understand that the system is stretched thin, so we do what we can to provide proper service to people in need.”
While sources tell CTV News the Health Minister is expected to make some sort of announcement about fire-ambulance cooperation in the coming weeks, Watts urged him to take bold and decisive action – even redesigning the entire pre-hospital care system.
“This is not a new issue and so putting a Band-Aid and trying to plug the hole in the dyke is not going to work,” she said, bluntly. “It has to change or the whole thing’s going to collapse.”
This is the fifth part of a CTV News Vancouver series examining British Columbia’s pre-hospital care system.
Part one: Not just a paramedic issue: What's behind 911 call delays in B.C.
Part two: B.C. family doctor shortage impacting 911 service and ambulance waits
Part three: B.C. paramedics understaffed by up to 40 per cent daily due to burnout, injuries, vacancies
Part four: 'We're taking action': B.C.'s new ambulance boss gives first interview