KERPA sends a volunteer EMS physician in a dedicated ground unit, directly to the scene of immediate threat to life calls in the Kootenay region. Our response vehicle is fully equipped with advanced medications and equipment. We are capable of providing road side ultrasound, video laryngoscopy, rapid sequence intubation, surgical procedures, cardiac monitoring, and advanced cardiac arrest care. In addition, our physician is trained in tactical emergency casualty care and equipped to support the emergency services in this role.
Historically, the charity has been averaging 100 primary missions per year. In the spring of 2022, the charity received regional dispatch from BC Emergency Health Services, resulting in a 300% increase in call volumes. This upward utilization trend continues.
Currently in our 9th year, we are approaching 1000 calls.
KERPA was founded on a set of five key concepts and ideas that guide the organization and help define and determine behavior and culture. These core values are used on a daily basis, ranging from how we respond to patients to how we manage our volunteers. The following core values represent what we think is most important in our professional and personal lives:
1) Accountability: We will be responsible for carrying out the duties of our position (board members and volunteers) to meet the mission and vision of KERPA.
2) Commitment: We are dedicated to meeting the high expectations held for us by the people we serve and will constantly devote our time, ability and efforts towards accomplishing KERPA’s goals and objectives.
3) Excellence: We will strive for personal and professional excellence and will continually work to deliver the most advanced pre-hospital care services related to KERPA’s mission.
4) Integrity: We will carry out objectives in a truthful and honest manner with open communication, remaining consistent in our beliefs and actions.
5) Teamwork: We believe that in order to be effective in our community we need to work in cooperation with other emergency services in the pursuit of our common goals and objectives. We will strive to understand and share responsibility, seek help and cooperation of others, and offer the same to them.
At the heart of our organization is the overwhelming desire to help the most critically ill or injured patients in our community.