SLFD’S Community Assistance Program volunteers (left to right) Kim Schmuck, Nancy Roberts, Brian Curry and Shelley Hughes recently attended an all-day training in crisis intervention at the Phoenix Fire Department headquarters.
Brian Curry
The volunteer Community Assistance Program of the Sun Lakes Fire Department continues their service through the hot summer months.
Though the most visual part of that service is when the community sees them responding in their CR231 (Crisis Response unit) to ambulance and fire calls with the Fire Department, they are also working behind the scenes to make Sun Lakes better.
Their newest project, the flash drive initiative, was introduced less than a year ago; flash drives continue to sell at a rapid pace with over 1,300 of them sold at $5 (just above cost).
The flash drive, which stores your medical history, doctors, medications and allergies along with contact information, can within seconds transfer over to the SLFD’s electronic patient care reports which allows the paramedics to communicate your vital information to doctors and hospitals.
The committee led by Betty Earp, Nancy Roberts, Kim Schmuck and Shelly Hughes reminds you to update your forms by placing the new date at the top of each electronic form. This is keep any changes to your medications (additions/deletions) or any other information current.
The flash drive committee will be at all the open houses this fall as well as the Neighbors Who Care Welcome Back event on October 24. Any Sun Lakes group wanting to see a presentation of the flash drive can contact Nancy Roberts at 419-306-2959. Watch future Splash editions for upcoming Open Assistance days for those either having problems or unsure of how to use the flash drive.
Flash Drives can be purchased Monday through Thursday during normal business hours at the Fire Department’s Station Two on Alma School Road.
Another item that can be purchased at SLFD’s station two is the lock box. This allows you to have your door key placed securely in the box and with a special key that only the on duty captains have they can access entry into your home in the event of an emergency. After purchase and installation, the CAP team will call on you and place your key in the box. Purchase price for this item, which is invaluable if you are unable to reach the door or even if you are not home is $45.
The Community Assistance Program volunteers are proud to serve the community and assist the Fire Department. They are always looking for new men and women to join their rank which basically means that as the fire department and medical crews aid the ill or injured, the CAP two person crew works with other family members or friends who may need assistance.
CAP members must be in general good health, have a good driving record, pass a background check and be willing to work two monthly shifts and attend a monthly meeting.
CAP plans on hosting a new class of recruits this October. If you are interested in helping and being a part of a proud organization contact Recruitment Chairperson Pat Weitzel at 480-802-3521.