St. John Ambulance

2007-01 - by Susan McIver - Penticton resident Eleanor Paulin and her family have a long association with St. John Ambulance especially the brigade and youth programs. St. John Ambulance is a worldwide voluntary organization with roots in the times of the Crusades. "It's the oldest charitable organization in the world," Eleanor said. The Paulins' association with St. John's began when they were living in Yellowknife from 1974 to 1988. Eleanor's husband, Bob, encouraged their daughter, Wendy, to become a cadet although he was thinking of an army or air cadet. However, one day Wendy surprised her father by announcing that she had joined the St. John's cadet program. The cadet, junior and crusader programs give boys and girls and teenagers an opportunity to develop self-confidence and discipline and to make friends. The young participants learn first aid and family health care and can participate in field trips, camps and competitions. Eleanor was soon taking cadets to Edmonton and Calgary for competitions centered on first aid - who could do the best job in the shortest time. While in Yellowknife Eleanor worked in the treasury department of the municipal government and Bob was purchasing manager for the territorial government. In 1988, they moved to Penticton. In February of 2005, Eleanor was asked to assume the duties of superintendent of Penticton's St. John Ambulance Brigade. The brigade does community service through providing first aid service at public events such as parades, sporting events, elections and festivals. Under Eleanor's leadership, the Penticton group which had been inactive for a couple of years grew from one member to approximately 40 in little over a year. For her role in the brigade's rejuvenation, Eleanor was awarded a Priory Vote of Thanks for valuable assistance to the Order of St. John in Canada from Governor General Michaelle Jean. "You have to run it like a business to make it work. It's also important to share knowledge and information with each other," she said. Bob, who does much of the administrative work, is also playing a significant role in the revitalization of the brigade. Both Eleanor and Bob are known for their exceptional organizational skills. Her role as superintendent is giving Eleanor an opportunity to use skills she acquired while serving as an instrument mechanic in the Canadian Air Force in the 1960s. Eleanor is also building on the first aid skills she learned in the military. She and her team commonly deal with the results of falls, broken bones, cuts, bruises and concussions. "We have also provided first aid for heart attack and diabetic shock victims and for people who have serious allergies to bee and wasp stings," she said. Brigade members are required to complete the standard first aid course plus an advanced first responder course. "The brigade doesn't charge but does appreciate donations," said Eleanor who added that donations are not expected for attending fund-raising events for non-profit groups such as the Terry Fox Run. The donations are used for medical and office supplies, training and uniforms and for the purchase, maintenance and equipping of three ambulances. Eleanor's long-term goals are to have 60 trained volunteers and to develop a unit that functions on its own. "I appreciate having the opportunity to help people," she said. For further information call Eleanor at (250) 492-4909 or 492-3377.

 

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