St. John Ambulance BC & Yukon recently relaunched their Community Transfer Program (CTP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand is surging in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
The CTP provides a safe and caring transportation option for those with mobility or cognitive challenges. The vehicles are equipped with medical supplies, the staff are all medically trained, and the program is following COVID-19 cleaning and safety protocols.
“The CTP is responsive to our community’s needs,” said Senior Program and Project Coordinator Melody Jacobson. “Our team has been able to pivot our response to accommodate the changing dynamics within the pandemic so that clients are safe. The program is a trusted source of transportation, and we are restoring connections for our clients to the life outside of their homes and facilities.”
This is particularly important as people are experiencing the negative effects of isolation. Clients are safely able to visit their health care specialist, run errands, move between facilities or back home. The program currently employs 10 on-call staff, and has specially equipped vehicles to transport clients, including the Canadian purpose built MV-1 vehicle designed from the ground up to accommodate wheelchairs. The MV-1 is the first and only car to win the International da Vinci Awards for Universal Design. CTP also has a specially equipped ambulance to provide non-emergency stretcher services. Clients can rent oxygen, a wheelchair, or a stairchair operated by skilled staff to transport clients safely down and up exterior and interior stairs.
“During my time with the program, I have experienced the need for the service we provide,” said CTP Staff Samantha Rigby “It is the bridge in the health care system that many people with mobility and cognitive impairments require during non-emergency situations. So many of our clients express their gratitude and state that the program is irreplaceable to get them to their appointments with the utmost privacy and comfort. I am thrilled that the program is back and helping people within our communities.”
The program specializes in transfers from the client’s home or point of care to their medical appointments or community event. The team also responds to a range of unique requests for clients of all ages and abilities, whether it’s a retiree, young adult, or a child. In August, the program was able to transport a young disabled woman to a drive-in showing of the SuperDogs at the PNE.
The CTP becomes a special source for connection during the holidays, and this year will be ensuring the holidays involve a safe and private transportation choice for their clients to connect and celebrate. The program has always assisted people to attend special gatherings with their loved ones and friends, and this year will be no different for new and repeat clients.
“I am truly thankful that the St. John Ambulance transfer program is around to help people such as myself, who cannot walk very well,” said Farida Ahamed, a long-term client of the program. “What I value most is that it is very safe and reliable, which is very hard to find when taking other modes of transportation. I cannot fit very well in a taxi and it is hard to climb into high vehicles. Having to wait alone for another cab or other transport, which can take hours, has taken a toll on me, and being alone is very difficult at times. The transfer program team has become like family to me.”
The Community Transfer Program is currently taking bookings for November, into December and the holidays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTP staff follow all BC Health protocols, including wearing proper PPE, enhanced cleaning of vehicles and equipment between transfers, and refusing trips that put staff or patients at risk of exposure. Those interested can learn more and book a transfer by visiting communitytransfers.ca, calling 604-630-1228, or e-mailing [email protected].
