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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-09-14, Page 1414 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday,September 14, 2005 First Huron class of Advanced Care Paramedics graduates By Pauline Kerr SPECIAL TO THE T -A GODERICH — The first five graduates of the Advanced Care Paramedic program in Huron were presented with their certificates in a formal ceremony at the Court House gazebo Sept. 1. The ceremony was a formal one, with the colour party of the Toronto EMS leading the way as speakers and graduates were piped to their seats passed ambulances as well as family and friends seat- ed in front of the gaze- bo. Tony Southwell, Art McNaughton, Melissa Springett, Joel Siebert and Greg Schwindt were the first graduates of a pilot program aimed at giving rural residents the same level of care as their urban counter- parts. A fundraiser organized by Heartland Community Credit Union has so far raised $2,535 for the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. Commercial agriculture account manager Larry Ament, pictured at right, spent 26 hours on the Credit Union roof last week, one minute per dollar raised.The rest of the money raised came through a barbecue. So far, the money raised is about $500 more than the Credit Union's goal.Those still interested in donating can contact the Heartland Community Credit Union. Pictured above from left are staffer Elaine Corbett, vol- unteer Marg Miller and staffers Bev Martin, Rob MacVeen and Ament. (photo/Scott Nixon) From left,AnnetteVusich,AngelaWoodburn,Kathryn Keller, Grace Hodgins and Theresa Finkbeiner exer- cise at the newly renovated Curves, on Main Street in Exeter. Curves had a grand opening party last Tuesday.About 130 people attended, including the Exeter Mayor, Rob Morley.Yvonne and Matt Gamble are the new owners. (photo/NinaVan Lieshout) Nurse your feet back to health Sarah Wuerth, C. PED Certified Pedorthist • Footwear Fitting Specialist • Custom Orthotics • Foot Problems Wuerth's 1.877.235.0611 SHOES Proper shoes for problem feet .,a new balance 4A e u III TNF VJIDTN SPECTRUM I I I RE I RE I I I 6E I I I The ACP program has become the standard in urban areas, in essence bringing a hospital emergency room right to the patient's door. However, the same level of care has not been available in rural areas. That has changed, thanks to a special part- nership consisting of Toronto Emergency Medical Services, Grey Bruce Health Centre and the Huron County EMS, that allowed para- medics to upgrade their qualifications part time, in their own area. Those who spoke dur- ing the ceremony remarked on the hard work and dedication of the graduating class as well as those who made the program possible. The five new Advanced Care Paramedics put in over 1,000 hours while working at their regular jobs. What was supposed to be an eight-month pro- gram stretched into two years. In the fall of 2003, the vision of regional advanced care came together and the pilot program began. In the words of Dr. Don Eby from the base hospital in Owen Sound, "David Lew (Land Ambulance Manager for Huron) had a clear vision of advanced EMS and made it happen." Eby said there were those who "doubted they'd ever see a day like this... with advanced care deliv- ered, much less taught, in a rural setting." However, the skeptics were proven wrong. Eby gave much credit to county council, for "insisting their residents have the same level of care as urban resi- dents". He also noted the program was one of the cheapest training schemes in the province. And he gave credit to the paramedics who went through the pro- gram. Exhibitors Wanted Limited space is available in select categories, please call today!' 1)i stiact Designs from Premier Crafters, Artisans �.3 -8c Gift Supplier, To participate or for more information, please contact Audrey Dewit at 905-426-4676 ext. 257 adewit@durhamregion.com Oshawa Civic Auditorium • 99 Thornton Road S. • Oshawa • Oct. 14,15,16 Richmond Green Sports Centre • 1300 Elgin Mills Rd. L. • Richmond Hill • Oct.22, 23 Toronto International Centre • 6900 Airport Road • Mississauga • Nov.11,12,13 Kingsway College • 1200 Leland Road • Oshawa • Nov.27 www.theheartofcountry.com Dynamic Publishing & Events Management • 0051426-46 76 ext.257.130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, ON L15 21-15 "It's difficult to be the first ones through any training system...this ceremony is the culmi- nation of a lot of hard work by a lot of people." A number of elements came together to make the program work — Toronto EMS delivering the program, support from the base hospital and backing by Huron County council. But speaker after speaker made note of the remarkable achieve- ment of the graduates themselves. Mike Muir, past pro- gram manager and a teacher with the pro- gram, said, "This group is as good as any I have been involved with...the level of expertise can match any in Ontario." Bik Chawla of the Toronto EMS addressed the group, saying to the graduates, "You guys are the stars here...well done! Huron County should be proud." Huron County Warden Doug Layton stressed that the entire county will benefit from having this level of training on the part of local para- medics. "It's a great reassurance, if and when we have to make that call." Siebert spoke on behalf of the graduating class, mentioning the sacrifices by family while the paramedics were undergoing train- ing. There were family events they couldn't be at, and many hours devoted to studies. Siebert made special mention of humorous details and of the exams that had to be passed with a mark of 70 per cent (every member of the class graduated with marks that were above average). He thanked the warden and council for their leadership in making Huron County a leader in emergency medical services. "Your investment has already paid off," he said. It wasn't easy. Siebert said that after two years, the five graduates couldn't quite believe they were receiving their certificates. They keep expecting "one more hoop" to go through. It isn't easy being a pioneer, he said. In closing, Siebert looked at each class- mate and said, "Art, Tony, Melissa, and Greg...we finally made it." Cd/radio stolen SOUTH HURON — On Aug. 19 OPP were called to Jennison Construction, located on Grand Line in South Huron over a theft. 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