Remote Seymour Arm First Responders get communications boost with $10,000 worth of equipment

Photo: Contributed

The Shuswap's Seymour Arm First Responders Society have received $10,000 worth of communications equipment in a grant from electronics giant JVC-Kenwood.

The Kenwood Cares grant is the second this year, marking the first time it has been awarded twice in one year, "with the decision to do so coming in the wake of the pandemic and the impact on donations to non-profit organizations," the company says in a press release.

The initiative garnered more than 40 submissions, a new record.

“This grant is a game changer for the responders, as they are the only medical emergency team within the community,” says Paula Salamandyk, secretary for SAFR. “The radios will enable our team to respond immediately to medical emergencies, and they will now have radio contact with all outside emergency support services.”

SAFR operates in the remote Shuswap off-grid community of Seymour Arm, with no other medical facilities and limited cell service.

“It was clear in their submission that due to lack of cellphone coverage in their remote community, that two-way radio is their only reliable communications option," said JVC-Kenwood national sales manager Wilfried Mulder. “This grant will enhance the response time of the local volunteer group when working with their mutual aid partners.”

Authorized Kenwood dealer Vella Radio in Salmon Arm has also offered its support in technical system services, including providing a digital repeater on their network.

The Seymour Arm First Responders were formed in 2014 to offer emergency medical assistance to the community.

Since their inception, they have responded to hundreds of medical emergencies in the community and on Shuswap Lake.