CPR Devices Made Possible by AFOW Grant

A generous donation from American Friends of Whistler to the Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine has resulted in two CPR machines for the Sea to Sky Corridor and Whistler area.

These devices, which will provide automatic CPR, even during a toboggan or helicopter rescue, will be strategically located for quick access by the WB Ski Patrol and Search and Rescue teams in the Sea to Sky Corridor/Whistler area.  “We know that continuous, effective CPR cannot be provided by human providers in rescue situations”, says Dr. Dave Watson of the Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine, a non-profit organization that trains mountain physicians and advanced mountain paramedics.  “The key to survival”, says Watson, “is uninterrupted, high quality CPR and the ZOLL Autopulse will do this”.

In addition to treating victims of heart attack, the Autopulse is essential gear for treating patients in cardiac arrest secondary to hypothermia. “This are otherwise healthy, usually young people”, says Bruce Brink, an Advanced Care Flight Paramedic with the Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Patrol and member of the CSMM.  “Hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest need continuous CPR for the entire duration of transport to the specialized care available only in Vancouver and there is good medical evidence that these folks may walk of the hospital, after their hypothermic cardiac arrest, with a potentially long, healthy future”.

The Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine (CSMM) represents Canada at the International Commission for Alpine Rescue and at the International Society of Mountain Medicine.  CSMM, in collaboration with the UBC Faculty of Medicine, also provides formal training for Physicians, Advanced Paramedics and Nurse Practitioners which leads to the internationally recognized Diploma in Mountain Medicine.

For further information:

info@mountainmedicine-canada.org

 

AFOW Grant for Whistler Museum and Archives

The dreams for a permanent facility for the Whistler Museum are back on the table after being temporarily shelved for a few years.  AFOW has given a grant to go towards the development of a design for a permanent museum.

Pique’s story here.

Honoring Rod Rohda

At our March 2013 board meeting AFOW underwent a transition  as Rod Rohda stepped down as President after seven years of extraordinary leadership.  Rod said at the time:

“As I look back over my time with the American Friends of Whistler and I think about virtually every public organization in town we’ve been able to lend our support to…that’s something that really means something to me.  It’s a terrific feeling to know that we’ve been involved with that many different organizations in the community.”

Following on the coverage in Pique and Question, Alix Nicoll wrote to the papers the following week:

I think that I can say that I speak on behalf of a great many of the Whistler/Sea to Sky not-for-profits in thanking Rod Rohda for his dedicated leadership of the American Friends of Whistler (AFOW) over the last seven years.

Our board feels likewise and at the end of our board meeting this past Saturday we surprised Rod by making a $15,000 grant to the Whistler Public Library, as announced today by RMOW.

Rod Rohda at the “unveiling”

Thanks Rod for all your past and future passion for making Whistler a terrific community.

Additional coverage:  Pique, Question

Whistler Village Bike Park

A recent grant from AFOW helped to renovate the Whistler Village Bike Park adjacent to Lot 3.

“Our direction this year in working with the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and American Friends of Whistler was to create a safe, progressive, learning skills environment for kids aged four to 12 years old,” said Grant Lamont of Alpine Bike Parks.

Full details in this article in Pique.

Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Center Opens

December 30, 2011 marked the opening of the Jeff Harbers Adaptive Sports Center.  It is a wonderful legacy to Jeff’s keen interest in supporting the Whistler community:

“(Jeff) believed that the community that gave him so much pleasure should be given back to,” said widow Renee Harbers during Friday’s reception. “He also was a passionate outdoorsman and sportsman, and I know from whatever piste he’s skiing on now, he’d be delighted that his resources are going towards making the outdoors and sports available to everyone.”

American Friends of Whistler contributed $117,000 toward construction of the center.

American Thanksgiving 2011

American Thanksgiving typically launches the ski season.  Pique used it to profile recent activities of American Friends of Whistler.

“[We] have come to have a real affection for Whistler and this gives them an opportunity to give back to, I would say, their second home, and make a difference for the general well being of the community,” said Rod Rohda, president of the AFOW.