When emergencies occur, we rely on local teams of dedicated professionals to get to the scene fast – and first. That’s why police officers, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency personnel are known as first responders. These are the people with the training, skills and equipment that you want to see first when the unthinkable happens and disaster strikes.

But for many first responders, that dedication to helping those most in need doesn’t simply get switched off at the end of a shift. It continues on in the form of giving back – of making the communities they live and work in healthier and safer. And in BC’s White Rock/South Surrey, it’s led two groups of firefighters to pose a challenge to the citizens of the area: “Help us make a difference.” 

Following up on their generous contribution to the new Mental Health and Substance Use Zone in Peace Arch Hospital’s expanded Emergency Department, the Surrey and White Rock Fire Fighters Charitable Associations are back on the donation front lines again to address another crucial need at PAH: new Medical Imaging Technology. This urgently needed state-of-the-art equipment will allow clinicians to better triage patients in both acute care and chronic disease, paving the way for imaging-guided interventions and optimized treatment planning.

In this episode of Power to Heal, we’ll learn how this medical imaging technology campaign adds a twist to the firefighters’ usual approach to fund-raising. We’ll also go deeper to find out what motivates these “heroes among us” to extend their collaboration with the hospital’s healthcare professionals from emergency situations to the long-term wellbeing of the entire community. 

Guests: 

-          Dylan Van Rooyen, Vice President - Surrey Fire Fighters Association & Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society 

-          Amy O’Leary, Director of Philanthropy with Peace Arch Hospital Foundation

The Power to Heal is hosted by veteran broadcaster and long-time White Rock/South Surrey resident, Wayne Cox.

Presented by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in White Rock, British Columbia, Power to Heal takes you behind the scenes of an innovative hospital Foundation and introduces you to the team who find new and sometimes surprising ways to engage with the local community and help fund the best healthcare possible in the region. 

Since 1988, the Foundation has raised over $210 million for capital projects, medical equipment, and community health programs. Its passionate and caring team’s number one priority is the prudent stewardship of your gifts and the resulting positive impact on patients and medical staff at Peace Arch Hospital and the entire White Rock-South Surrey community.

Download Power to Heal wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society 

For more information about the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, or to make a donation, visit pahfoundation.ca