A volunteer-based emergency assistance team in Vancouver is adding an innovative component to its training: responders on bicycles.
“I think the most important thing about the bikes is that they’re going to be able to get through on roads where, potentially, other vehicles cannot,” said Neighbourhood Emergency Assistance Team member Marilyn Douglas.
The cyclists will have three main tasks such as assessing damage and the needs and relaying the information back to emergency responders. They will also be responsible for carrying equipment where required and communication.
“We know that our radios are going to work to a degree, but we could lose cellular service,” Douglas said. “Radio communications could also be very congested, so it could be faster for us to get things from point A to point B by bicycle carrier.”
Organizers say the bicycle training also helps build the confidence of NEAT members.
“It’s important because our volunteers…are building skills, they’re increasing their knowledge, they’re building their experience and we’re also learning how to work together as a team,” Douglas said.
NEAT volunteers are trained to help emergency responders in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or flood.
“It’s very important,” Vancouver Emergency Management Capt. Whitefield Crump told CTV Vancouver. “We’re trying to get ready for any kind of major emergency here in Vancouver.”
Members are taught how to provide basic medical care, locate victims of a disaster, have basic radio skills and operate with the incident command system, a series of procedures designed to make response as effecient as possible.
Dozens of Vancouverites took part in a volunteer-based community disaster training exercise on Saturday.
The training featured a simulated disaster including a burning building with people trapped inside.
With actors playing the role of injured and distressed residents, volunteers practiced pulling people to safety from the rubble.
“I think this is as real as you can get,” Crump said.
NEAT is still looking for more volunteers. Those interested can sign up on the City of Vancouver’s website.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro
