OSOYOOS, BC – Destination Osoyoos is partnering with St. John Ambulance on an innovative first aid project to have the most citizens trained in CPR per capita of any community in Canada within the next three years. The goal was announced today as part of National CPR Month in Canada.

Destination Osoyoos, the community’s tourism and economic development agency, will now offer its popular SuperHost customer service training program with added options in First Aid and CPR. The courses available will range from WorkSafeBC Level 1 to Basic LifeSaver. CPR with Automatic External Defibrillation will also be available.

The program will extend beyond the business and tourism sector to community groups and seniors organizations. The local Rotary Club and Destination Osoyoos are also sponsoring training for high school students.

Osoyoos is the first community in Canada to pilot a project of this type with St. John Ambulance. It is a model both groups hope other towns and cities across the country will adopt.

“As one of the most popular destinations in British Columbia, Osoyoos welcomes more than 350,000 visitors every year,” said Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Destination Osoyoos. “This new initiative is part of our community’s commitment to take total care of our guests. We want to provide not only the
warmest welcome in Canada, but also the safest welcome in Canada.”

A 2004 study released by Dr. Ian Stiell, Senior Scientist with the Ottawa Health Research Institute, showed that a person’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest was nearly four times more likely if they receive CPR within the first moments of the attack. Saving lives requires quick response by
bystanders, to perform CPR until Emergency Medical Responders arrive. But in far too many cases, CPR is not performed and by the time Paramedics are on site with defibrillators in order to shock the heart and restore breathing, it is too late. As a result of only 15 per cent of Canadians knowing CPR
tens of thousands die each year from Cardiac Arrest.

“St. John Ambulance is pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile initiative. Since we know that 80 per cent of all cardiac arrests occur around family and friends, this community commitment will empower residents with the knowledge of how to save a live,” says Larry Odegard, CEO, St. John Ambulance, BC Council. “With 112,000 British Columbians trained by St. John Ambulance in first aid and CPR every year, we’re well on our way to building the safest communities in Canada.”

“Osoyoos is a community with strong civic spirit and pride. We want to be proactive and not wait until a tragic situation occurs to start getting prepared. It is a perfect fit for our community, combining great customer service and healthy living,” said Osoyoos Mayor John Slater.

The Osoyoos Indian Band, and their award-winning Nk’Mip Resort, is also embracing the new program as a pillar of its long-term customer service and safety program.

“We work very closely with the Town of Osoyoos and we recognize the benefits of an integrated approach to customer service and safety at our resort and business operations. Our staff will be participating in the new courses and we are proud to join Destination Osoyoos on this important initiative to encourage enjoyable and safe visits,” said Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

For more information about this initiative and to learn more about CPR training visit:
www.destinationosoyoos.com or www.sja.ca

About Destination Osoyoos
The Destination Osoyoos Development Society is a non-profit grassroots organization committed to strengthening economic, physical, social and cultural conditions in the Osoyoos area. The goal of its Community Economic Development Strategy is to promote enhanced quality of life and a sustainable, diversified economy. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing diverse interests in the community.

About St. John Ambulance
Your Training Dollars go back into your Community. We are a not for profit organization with the proceeds from First Aid Training and Kit Sales going to help fund our Volunteer Medical First Responders who provide free first aid service at community events and our Therapy Dogs providing animal visitations in Adult Communities, hospitals and schools. St. John Ambulance is the oldest humanitarian organization in the world with over 900 years of service. This year marks St. John Ambulance’s 125th anniversary in Canada.

About Dr. Stiell
Senior Scientist, Ottawa Health Research Institute
Emergency Medicine Physician, The Ottawa Hospital
Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa

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Media Contacts:

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Destination Osoyoos
250-495-3366 or 1-888-676-9667
glenn@osoyoos.ca

Dave Frank, Director - Marketing and Public Relations
St. John Ambulance, BC & Yukon Council
604-644-6426 or 604-301-2707
Dave.Frank@bc.sja.ca