October 5, 2007
VCH PARTNERS WITH NORTH SHORE RESCUE
NORTH VANCOUVER – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is teaming up with North Shore Rescue to improve communication capabilities in emergency situations.
At the request of North Shore Rescue, VCH has installed a radio repeater antenna on the roof of its head office in Vancouver. The repeater expands the radio network’s reach, and allows team members to link with one another across formerly ‘dead’ zones where they had no radio coverage.
“Nothing is more crucial in our work than solid, reliable communications hardware,” said Tim Jones of North Shore Rescue. “The ability to share information on where our team members are – and what they’re facing – is critical when we’re responding to time-compressed calls.”
The installation of the antenna and cabling at VCH’s offices at 601 West Broadway was carried out as part of the creation of an emergency communication hub that will allow hospitals and emergency responders to communicate in the event of a natural disaster or major medical trauma. The isolated frequency pair, licensed by Industry Canada, ensures interference with the radio frequency is minimal.
"North Vancouver is famous for its outdoor activities, and year-around we attract from abroad many who join with our locals to explore our wilderness back yard," said Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano. "A sudden transition from city to wilderness can be deceptive – and even lethal. The health and safety of those individuals enjoying the outdoors is an important priority for both Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and our famed North Shore Rescue team, which makes this new partnership so compelling and important."
The partnership allows the health authority to tap onto North Shore Rescue’s communication network in dire situations, such as the windstorms of last January. “North Shore Rescue stepped up and helped us stay connected when the cell phone network went down, and we were able to ensure the safety of care home residents,” said Bryan Larrabee, VCH’s Emergency Management Coordinator for the North Shore and Coast.
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $2 billion in community, hospital and residential care services to over one million people in communities from Richmond through Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
| contacts: | ||
| Viviana Zanocco | Tim Jones | |
| Senior Media Relations Officer | Coordinator | |
| Vancouver Coastal Health | North Shore Rescue | |
| Telephone: 604-708-5282 | Mobile: 604-786-5103 |
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