Charlie, Marlee and Scout stole my heart. Each welcomed me gently, calmly and I in turn gave them each a pat and scratch. They are part of the St. John Ambulance (SJA) Therapy Dog Division 1113, a vital program that brings comfort to the Kamloops community. Currently the Kamloops SJA has 25 therapy Dog Teams which visit long term care residences. Seventy teams are needed.
“The staff really benefits from the calming effect he brings. Everyone can have a bad day,” explained Jeff Ross who handles Scout, a Golden Retriever. Barb McKay and her dog Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles mix, concentrate on staff wellness and university visits. Sandy Williams and Marlee, a Golden Doodle, visit two long-term care residences.
Williams observed that, “In one case, it took a client two years of gradual visits before he felt comfortable enough to pet Marlee.”
“Research shows even five minutes spent with the dogs can bring the heart rate down, endorphins go up, stress is reduced and reduction in pain for up to 30 minutes,” reported Trudi Bonbernard, Therapy Dog Unit Facilitator.
The Therapy Dog Program was introduced in 1990.
Branch Manager, Stephen Orteza, one of two paid staff, explained that SJA is driven by highly trained volunteers.
“St. John Ambulance is more than putting on a band-aid,” said Andy Philpot, Division Superintendent. Medical First Responders (MFR) have skills via education and practical skills which cover everything from spinal packaging and oxygen therapy to patient transfer protocols and emergency preparedness.
Andy Phillpot, Division Superintendent, welcomes new volunteers. They must have Standard or Intermediate First Aid Certification. Members are expected to maintain continued preparedness through training courses and practice exercises.
St. John Ambulance traces its beginning back to the Crusades. Blessed Gerard attended to the needs of pilgrims regardless of race or religion. Over the span of many years hospice centres were established in Cypress, Rhodes, and Malta and were established in England by 1830. By 1872 SJA concentrated on first aid in the mines, collieries and mills due to the accidents sustained by workers. Queen Victoria presented SJA a royal charter, formally acknowledging the organization in 1888.
The introduction of a first aid course in Quebec City expanded across the country leading to an alliance with the Canadian Armed Forces. SJA members served through World War I and II as stretcher-bearers, ambulance drivers and nursing staff.
A training centre was opened in Vancouver in 1907. During the 1960s to 70s SJA worked to improve First Aid Regulations in the workplace. The Kamloops branch was incorporated in 1964. The volunteer Medical First Responder Division was added in 1967 “Guided by the mottos Pro Fide (For the Faith) and Pro Utilitate Hominum (In the Service of Humanity) the volunteers of St. John Ambulance continue to stand ready. Whether facing natural disaster or personal crisis, they bring expertise, compassion and a helping hand-or-paw-to those in need.”