‘Extremely grateful’: Sault Search and Rescue sprang into action during Monday’s nasty snowstorm to transport essential healthcare workers and a patient to the hospital
Since 1958, Sault Search and Rescue has been helping local people in distress.
Consisting entirely of trained volunteers on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the not-for-profit organization once again proved its value to the community during Monday’s severe winter conditions.
With much of the Sault shut down due to an accumulation of freezing rain and heavy snowfall, SSAR volunteers transported three nurses and one patient who needed to keep a vitally important medical appointment to Sault Area Hospital (SAH) during Monday’s stormy conditions.
“It’s standard practice for us when the highways are closed,” said Randy Roy, Sault Search and Rescue president.
Roy was awakened by a page from SAH requesting assistance at 6:30 a.m. Monday.
He and four other SSAR volunteers were at the organization’s garage on Industrial Park Crescent by 7:10 a.m.
They took two SSAR trucks to pick up three nurses in Echo Bay and a patient from the Sault and transported them to the hospital.
“We cleared the snow and ice off our own vehicles, got out of our driveways and the first of our trucks pulled out of Industrial Park just after eight o’clock in the morning,” Roy told SooToday.
“We called the OPP to let them know we were going to be on the highway because it was closed. We have to let them know we’re going to be on the highway.”
SSAR must also ensure it does not conflict with Sault EMS ambulance and paramedics roles and responsibilities, Roy said.
The SSAR volunteers took the nurses and the patient back to their homes later Monday and stood down at 8 p.m.
“It’s good to get out and help,” Roy said.
“It’s important to transport people to work at the hospital because the staff there are overworked and understaffed and we have to make sure people show up so that patients get the care they need.”
Roy and his fellow SSAR volunteers were glad to transport the patient to SAH for important treatment.
“She was just ecstatic that we could get her there.”
The hospital was also very thankful.
“Sault Area Hospital is extremely grateful to Sault Search and Rescue for their support during this severe weather event,” said Brandy Sharp Young, SAH spokesperson in an email.
“SAH and SSAR share a long-standing partnership, with SSAR assisting in the safe transportation of hospital staff and patients during periods of significant inclement weather. This support has been in place for many years and reflects a strong commitment to the community, helping ensure hospital workers are able to get to work safely and patients can continue to access the care they need, even in challenging conditions.”
“We are deeply thankful for the dedication, professionalism, and generosity of this incredible group of community volunteers. Their commitment to supporting our local hospital and community, especially during challenging conditions, does not go unnoticed and is sincerely appreciated,” Sharp Young said.
With an impressive array of vehicles and equipment, Sault Search and Rescue is supported solely through fundraisers and donations.
SSAR currently has 30 members with a core group of 15 volunteers ready to help at all times.
The team typically searches the wilderness surrounding the Sault and area for lost snowmobilers, hikers, hunters, fishermen and others that Sault EMS ambulances and paramedics can’t easily get to.
Upon locating lost individuals SSAR will bring them to a safe area where paramedics await because many individuals they locate need medical treatment.
SSAR also works with Sault Police and Sault OPP in Project Lifesaver.
Project Lifesaver uses radio transmitting bracelets to locate people who are prone to wander due to disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism or Down Syndrome.
For Project Lifesaver, caregivers may contact Sault Search and Rescue at (705) 759-5878, complete the necessary paperwork and purchase a radio transmitting bracelet for a family member to wear, making it easier to locate them should they wander off and go missing.
If such an individual wanders off, it is critical 9-1-1 be called immediately.
9-1-1 operators then contact Sault Search and Rescue who will then work with Sault Police or Sault OPP to locate that person using a Project Lifesaver receiver.
“Sault Search and Rescue is a team and we’re in it to help people,” Roy said.
“It makes us feel good. People appreciate what we do and when people are satisfied with what we’ve done, it makes you feel even better.”