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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 22, 2007 - 27 On the road with the St. John Ambulance bicycle response team T he St. John Ambulance has got you covered. Thanks to a grant from The Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO), and medical first response provided by the Oakville St. John Ambulance, skilled volunteers will become much more accessible. In the coming months, look for the new Medical First Response Bike Team at local community events near you. Funds from The CFO and other donors will make possible the purchase of four multi-purpose, lightweight all-terrain bicycles, outfitted with medical supplies. Each bicycle will carry oxygen kits, a trauma bag and other first aid response supplies. They will be operated by adult volun- teers, trained and certified by St. John Ambulance as Medical First Responders. Bicycle response teams are especially well-suited to outdoor community events, as a bicycle can quickly and readily maneuver in areas that a motor vehicle can not -- including park land, trails or through crowded event pavilions. The bike team will be dispatched to assist at Oakville events such as Halton's annual Take Back the Night march and the Oakville Waterfront Festival. Since 1957, Oakville's St. John Ambulance has worked to help our residents improve their health, safety and quality of life. It is part of an international organization and a leader in emergency response, setting the standard for training in first aid, CPR and other life-saving skills. Not only does St. John Ambulance provide valuable training and community services, but their members give freely and with passion. Regional Community Service Co-ordinator Chuck McCormack notes that the Oakville Branch's Community Services are almost entirely volunteer-driven. He is proud of the work of its Youth, Adult and Therapy Dog volunteers ­ totalling more than 50 in Oakville alone ­ in their support of our community. The best part about the bike team? It creates faster, more efficient access to those in need of first aid. McCormack looks forward to seeing the team "on the road" this summer. To find out more about The Community Foundation of Oakville's granting initiatives, contact Rusty Baillie at 905-845-7582 or visit the website at www.thecfo.org. -- Submitted by Nicole Pietsch, Community Foundation Oakville volunteer.