The District of Clearwater Community Paramedic is a vital support position offered through BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) in the Clearwater area. The Community Paramedic provides a wide array of services, such as home care, palliative care, education, public speaking, preventative care and support in conjunction with the Home Healthcare teams.
Stuart Gibson is the Community Paramedic stationed in Clearwater, and is based out of the ambulance station near Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. He has a fully-equipped vehicle that he uses when visiting clients in their homes.
“I work closely with Home Support services, and at times we visit people together, especially with palliative clients,” Gibson says. “My responsibility is more in educating people about their COPD, diabetes and other health barriers and giving them the tools to manage their disease processes on their own. Home Support may do medical checks, meals, wound dressing and that type of client care.”
Gibson also presents at the seniors’ luncheons, and has initiated several activities for seniors, such as an ongoing walking program, cross country skiing in winter and walks with dogs, all of which encourage increased activity for improving seniors’ overall health. The walks take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Candle Creek Trail area, and are geared to accommodate individuals according to their personal abilities.
Gibson was previously scheduled as a paramedic working out of the nursing station in Blue River. He returned to Clearwater to join the ambulance team there prior to moving into the Community Paramedic role.
On July 11, Gibson will be teaching a CPR and AED Awareness Training workshop, which will include learning about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, how to perform CPR, and how to use an AED. Participants who are physically able will gain hands on CPR and AED experience, although it does not qualify as a certification. The workshop is free to the public, and will take place at the Dutch Lake Community Centre.
To register, or for more information, call or email Gibson at 250-674-1138 or CP.Clearwater@BCEHS.ca.
