Emergency medical response and youth volunteerism to be celebrated at
Richmond Olympic Oval

VANCOUVER , Oct. 22 /CNW/ - Hundreds of St. John Ambulance emergency medical response volunteers from across British Columbia's Lower Mainland will be commended in a special public ceremony at the Richmond Olympic Oval on October 25 . The recognition of the crucial life-saving and community health efforts of St. John Ambulance volunteers comes at a time when volunteerism is gaining traction in communities across the province. Hosting this annual event is the St. John Ambulance Medical First Responders Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Area Commissioner, Robert McIlwaine.

The Lower Mainland Annual Inspection, an event steeped in tradition, will recognize hundreds of volunteers for their achievements in 2008 and 2009. The event takes place on Sunday, October 25 , at 2 pm . In addition to individual recognition, the event will mark the 100th anniversary of the First Brigade Division in Canada -- the volunteer portion of St. John Ambulance with a rich history that continues to thrive worldwide.

The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Vice Prior of the Order of St. John, will participate as the Reviewing Officer and an honored guest at the October 25 event. After the formal inspection of Medical First Responder volunteers, there will be a Cadet Drill performance, a dynamic first aid demonstration and presentation of group and individual awards.

"The Annual Inspection represents a historic opportunity to gather 500-plus local volunteer members in an outstanding civic venue like the Richmond Olympic Oval," said Dave Frank , St. John Ambulance's Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

"The Lower Mainland Annual Inspection is a proud moment for us, and underscores the time and energy that community members expend to make this organization tick," said Larry Odegard , St. John Ambulance's Chief Executive Officer. "This is truly a showcase of our people - who champion the mandate of St. John Ambulance building healthier and safer communities by doing exceptional things throughout the year."

The occasion will also allow visitors and guests to see a number of St. John Ambulance activities, including First Aid demonstrations, a display of 1950s-era St. John Ambulance's community service in action and a showing of the new Ambu(R) SmartMan(C) CPR training technology.

More than 1,900 St. John Ambulance volunteers offer their time and skills throughout B.C. communities. For more than a century, they have been on the scene at sports venues, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, parades and other events, where they've stood ready to immediately provide first aid to the sick or injured. Over 205,000 hours of community service are rendered by members each year in British Columbia.

For further information: Dave Frank, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, St. John Ambulance, British Columbia and Yukon Council, 6111 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 3B2, Telephone: [phone], Cell: [phone], Fax: [phone], [email protected]