Vanessa Verbitsky, Unit Chief
Saturna Island Rescue (SIR) volunteers provide 24-hour emergency medical services to Saturna residents and visitors. If required, patients are transferred to BC Ambulance Paramedics for care and transport to hospital in Victoria, Saanich, or occasionally Vancouver. Patients are transported by Water Taxi Ambulance or Helicopter Ambulance depending on the level of acuity. SIR volunteers are dispatched by BC Emergency Health Services via the 911 system.
About SIR
With its small and relatively healthy population, Saturna Island cannot support a full-time BC Ambulance station. For more than 30 years, our island has depended upon a small group of well-trained volunteers to provide emergency medical treatment, transport and transfer of care to BC Ambulance Service. SIR operates two “retired” BCAS Ambulances purchased with funds donated from our community. Supplies, training, education, and operating costs are covered by monies from a number of sources. These include a grant from Island Health, fundraising, and private donations.