Skip to content

Explosive information at EMS Day

Emergency vehicles took over the parking lot at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex for the Second Annual Emergency Services Day on June 1. Ponoka residents brought their families and friends to see what the event offered and to get information on emergency services.
9887ponokaemsdaychopper-4-5
The RCMP Helicopter was one of the main attractions during EMS Day on June 1

Emergency vehicles took over the parking lot at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex for the Second Annual Emergency Services Day on June 1.

Ponoka residents brought their families and friends to see what the event offered and to get information on emergency services.

Ted Dillon director of protective services believes that having this event increases knowledge of the service and presents to the community the positive side of police enforcement and fire safety.

“It’s public awareness,” said Dillon. “It shows the community that we are not always doing bad things, we’re humans. People also see what we offer and what we do. It’s a chance to showcase ourselves during the good times too, we don’t want people to just see us doing the bad stuff.”

The event featured an RCMP helicopter, the RCMP Explosives Unit, seat belt convincer, STARS display, Guardian ambulance, Ponoka Fire Department, Ponoka RCMP Detachment and Emergency Preparedness Information.

Camille Paulson was informed of the event and brought her grandson Quaid McKinney to see the emergency equipment and vehicles displayed and was especially impressed with the helicopter.

“I heard about it and thought it was a wonderful thing to see,”said Paulson. “Children can learn and get familiar with the vehicles without being afraid of them and you can never see a helicopter up close like this.”

Donna Renner was also able to make it out to the event and was curious to see the inside of the emergency vehicles and learn about the different aspects of emergency services.

“I think it’s very interesting,” said Renner. “It gives everyone a chance to see what is in the vehicles and I found the explosives unit especially interesting.”

The public was also able to enjoy a barbecue that was offered to help fundraise for Victim Services.

The RCMP set up their rollover simulator to show what happens when occupants do not wear a seatbelt, the simulator showed the effects of a vehicle going only 50 km/h but the dummies in the car forcefully fell out of the simulator while in motion.

Sgt. Glenn Demaere believed that the event is a chance to show the community the inside of vehicles and raise awareness in a positive setting.

“The community gets a chance to see equipment and interact with emergency personnel and it’s a nice day to bring out the family,” said Demaere. “The only chance people get to see the inside of one of these vehicles is in an emergency situation. It’s an opportunity to showcase all our equipment and resources we have available and for the public to see it up close.”

The Emergency Services Day is held to give people tools and safety information before the busyness of the summer season begins.