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Indigenous Artwork Showcased at Paramedic Stations
Sydney, N.S. – A partnership between EHS Operations and Friends United will see Indigenous artwork showcased at select paramedic stations across Nova Scotia.
The first two pieces of artwork were unveiled at the Eastern Regional office /paramedic station in Sydney on Tuesday morning, national #IndigenousPeoplesDay.
Over the course of the partnership, Friends United, based out of Cleveland in Richmond County, will donate up to 60 pieces of artwork, beginning with paintings from Mi’kmaw artists Mi’kmaq Artist Loretta Gould and Mandy Julian for the Sydney station.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation of Indigenous art by Friends United,” said Elden MacDonald, EHS Operations regional manager for the Eastern region, which includes Cape Breton.
“We trust the addition of this art to select stations throughout the province will help strengthen our connection with the Indigenous communities we serve while simultaneously contributing to a more inclusive workspace.”
Rolf Bouman, founder of Friends United, and his son, Lucas, who is an EHS Operations paramedic, both see the partnership as benefiting Indigenous artists and paramedics.
“One important goal of the Friends United Initiative is to give back to the community. It seemed clear that a simple way of doing this was to help the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” Rolf said.
“Speaking with the artists that are involved with the Friends United initiative, they are proud and happy to see their artwork at EHS facilities. It allows the important stories and messages of Indigenous people to be told and better understood,” Lucas added.
Cape Breton's Victoria County and Markham, Ont. collaborate on AED donation
A donation of 13 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from City of Markham‘s Fire and Emergency Services will benefit residents of Victoria County in Cape Breton.EHS Operations paramedic Lyle Donovan, who also serves as Fire Services Coordinator for the Municipality of Victoria County Nova Scotia, was put in contact with Chris Nearing, Deputy Fire Chief in Markham, Ont. and a native of Glace Bay.
It was through that connection that an offer to send 13 AEDs that Markham Fire was looking to replace, which were still in great shape, was made to Donovan and he graciously accepted.
Those AEDs will be placed in businesses across Victoria County which are open year-round, giving the public improved access to these devices when needed.
“The residents of Victoria County will benefit immensely from the addition of these life-saving devices,” Donovan said. “We are grateful for the help and assistance from Markham Fire and Emergency Services in our vision of creating heart-safe communities.”
For Deputy Chief Nearing, he was happy to be able to help out a place that’s close to his heart.
“We are extremely pleased that 13 Victoria County businesses will be equipped with a truly life-saving piece of equipment,” he said. “Through this partnership, and the work of many, we have formed a bond that is meaningful and impactful.”
The AEDs will be added to the EHS AED Registry. These devices are an important tool in Heart & Stroke’s Chain of Survival, which includes early recognition of a cardiac arrest and calling 911, performing hands-only CPR, and using an AED.
“Increasing AED coverage ensures that we are building more heart-safe communities throughout Nova Scotia,” said Mike Janczyszyn, EHS AED Registry Program Coordinator.
“Bystanders and communities performing the first three links of the Chain of Survival are vital to ensuring someone has the best chance of survival after a sudden cardiac arrest. We encourage anyone who is thinking about it to acquire an AED, if possible, and to register it with the EHS AED Registry.”
For more on the EHS AED Registry, please visit https://savelivesns.ca/.