For Immediate Release
Friday, May15, 2009

Splash into Safety
Emergency Medical Services Week to highlight water safety at the Forks May 18

Winnipeg, MB - May 17 to 24 is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Awareness Week in Canada. On Friday, May 15, Provincial Health Minister, Theresa Oswald officially proclaimed EMS Awareness week.
To celebrate the week and to highlight the important role of Winnipeg’s EMS personnel, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has planned a number of health and safety promotion events to showcase the work that they do.
On Monday May 18, Victoria Holiday, Emergency Medical Services week focuses on water safety and water rescue. Emergency Services personnel will be at the Forks from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to greet members of the public and provide information on water safety and water rescue.
One of the key messages of the day is children’s water safety. Every year when family pools open and people take to the lakes and beaches for boating and swimming, it is important to focus on safe water practices for all ages, but particularly for children.

Events and displays at the Forks on Monday, May 18 include:
• The Winnipeg Fire Department’s water rescue team, Winnipeg River Patrol, and life guards from the Royal Life Saving Society will display apparatus and equipment used in a water rescue.
• The Winnipeg Police Service will have information on safe boating and show you what’s needed in your boat while out on the water.
• The Royal Life Saving Society will be doing life jacket fittings and will also have information on the required “boat safety course” that all boat drivers will need by September 15th 2009.
• The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s Multi Unit Response Vehicle (MIRV) will be on display.
• City emergency personnel will be available all day to showcase the work that they do in responding to emergencies and treating those in need. All booths will have hand outs, coloring books etc. for the kids.

“EMS is an integral part of emergency services, providing vital, lifesaving care around the clock,” said Winnipeg’s Fire & Paramedic Chief Jim Brennan. “EMS Week gives us the opportunity to recognize the work of our emergency medical personnel, and underscores the importance to the public of monitoring and being aware of their own personal health.”

Every day, 24 hours a day, WFPS staff provide medical assessment, treatment, and transport services to the citizens of Winnipeg. They are on the front lines, and consist of paramedics and first responders, as well as emergency medical dispatchers, support staff and administrators.