A team of British Columbian paramedics are heading to the Czech Republic to compete for international glory at the annual Rallye Rejviz International Medical Rescue Competition.
The event pits 140 teams from 16 countries against each other in a series of ten random emergency situations. Teams are judged on their response time, knowledge, skill and ability to perform under pressure.
“There is no doubt that rescue work and emergency medical services are physically and emotionally demanding, stressful and often exhausting,” said Clarke McGuire, the Manager for Team Canada-BC and a semi-retired paramedic. “This is a big opportunity to share what we do and to learn how other countries respond to emergencies.”
The lower mainland based team is made up of three paramedics - Chris Naples, Kevin Lambert and Rico Ruffy. They will be accompanied by three veterans of the competition who will act as mentors and judges – McGuire, Lumir Popek and John Richmond.
Canada won gold in 2005, and was in the top ten in 2009. McGuire hopes that their practice has paid off this year.
“The team is well prepared to represent Canada at this world class event. We have been practicing and studying for months preparing for the challenge,” said McGuire. “Now the study, practice and training are over and it’s time to do our best for Canada!”
The team is proud to represent the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE local 873. “Our team is sponsored by the perfect blend of trade unionism, public and private partnerships that want to make a difference in pre hospital health care and delivery,” said McGuire.
The team leaves on May 27 and the event will be held from May 31 – June 3, 2012.
- For more information on the team visit their website at www.teamcanadabc.com or the competition event website at http://rallye-rejviz.com.