Albian Sands Energy Helps First Aid Response

October 17, 2008

The RCMP detachment in Fort Chipewyan, northern Alberta expressed heartfelt thanks recently to Albian Sands Energy (Albian) for its donation of a new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).An AED is a portable unit that can monitor heart rhythms and tell if the heart has stopped beating effectively. If required, the machine can then deliver an electric shock to the heart. Most of the time, the jolt will restart the heart.

Sergeant Grant Bulford of the Fort Chipewyan RCMP proposed the donation to Albian Sands after taking part in an Albian-led first aid and CPR training session. He says there are clear advantages to having the AED at the detachment.

“RCMP members are the first to respond to emergencies in this community,” says Bulford. “Having this device available to us could save lives and I’m glad Albian saw the benefits of providing this for the community.”

Martin Abbott, Albian Health Safety and Security Manager says, “Donating the AED was a great way for Albian to thank our friends in Fort Chipewyan for years of support.”

Located north of Fort McMurray and 250 kilometres upstream the Athabasca River from the Muskeg River Mine, the community of Fort Chipewyan is home to the Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan (Dené) First Nations and Métis peoples. Albian is part of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project, a joint venture among Shell Canada (60%), Chevron Canada Limited (20%) and Marathon Oil Sands L.P. (20%) and works with the community to improve access to opportunities and help develop necessary skills and capacity within the community. Safety is a key focus area for Albian’s efforts.

“Because of its remote location, Fort Chipewyan has limited access to support or services,” says Albian Community Affairs Advisor May-Britt Jahelka. “We really try to support programs that enhance health and wellness, recreation, educational and employment opportunities.”

In 2006, Albian offered first aid and CPR training to students at Fort Chipewyan’s Athabasca Delta Community School. The training received such a positive response from the participants that Albian decided to return this spring to offer the course for adults.

Jahelka and Shelia Klimchuk, Albian emergency response team members/course facilitators, traveled to Fort Chipewyan in April to conduct the training for elders, teachers, community daycare employees, construction workers and employees of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

“Offering first aid training in the community is an excellent way to provide residents access to a much needed service that they may not otherwise get, or would have to travel long distances to receive,” says Klimchuk. “First aid and CPR are important basic skills that everyone should have access to.”

Additional classes are planned – good news for Sgt. Bulford.

“We are very aware of how committed Albian is to assisting with programs in Fort Chipewyan that contribute to the safety and the quality of life of our community,” Bulford says.