“Yesterday the fire chief was at the ambulance station for a joint Oliver emergency services meeting. The BC Ambulance unit chiefs from both Osoyoos and Oliver were present.

Just before the meeting was to begin a strong smell of smoke wafted by and yelling could be heard. The fire chief in his personal vehicle and the Osoyoos ambulance crew drove promptly 1 1/2 blocks to the scene.

They worked together with the fire chief breaking the back window of the motor home reaching in lifting the 8 year old boy off the bed and passing him to the ambulance crew that transported the patient immediately to SO General Hospital that was minutes away. The prompt responses by these crews first arriving on scene was the key to best care for the young boy. The Oliver ambulance crew subsequently evaluated the mother of the child and the fire chief. Other than everyone being a little excited over what had occurred in the brief 10-15 minutes – all others were ok.

My intent of sending in this note is to recognize both the Fire Department and the Ambulance Service as we are a great team that works together.

Unfortunately the ambulance seldom gets recognized. I am aware this is mainly because we have left the scene by the time the media have arrived but also because ambulance personnel are restricted from speaking to the media with the intent to protect the privacy of the patients. Please try to recognize the great work the Paramedics do.”

A member of the EMS crew – name withheld by request

Oliver Daily News salutes the paramedics and drivers who perform this valuable service to our community.