The Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) is a department of the Resort Municipality of Whistler dedicated to promoting fire and life safety throughout the resort community and effectively mitigating problems when they occur. The WFRS provides around-the-clock protection and emergency response to the Whistler community.

The $16,600 donation from 100 Women Whistler is to assist the WFRS in the purchase of a second ZOLL AutoPulse CPR device to equip their truck based in Spring Creek.

This remarkable piece of equipment is already proving its value in our community. Shortly after WFRS received their first AutoPulse device in 2023 (funded through other community grants) it was put into service – and within just over an hour, firefighters used it to help save a life. The ZOLL AutoPulse Resuscitation System is designed for patients in cardiac arrest. Unlike traditional CPR, it delivers continuous, consistent chest compressions, even in challenging environments like stairwells, elevators, or during transport. It uses a band that compresses the entire chest cavity, improving blood flow and increasing survival chances. According to WFRS, the device can increase blood circulation effectiveness by up to 33%, reduce interruptions in compressions by 85% and contribute to higher survival rates and better patient outcomes.

In many emergency situations in Whistler, firefighters are the first to arrive on scene, often beginning life-saving care before BC Ambulance. Having this advanced equipment on both trucks ensures that more patients across our community can benefit from this critical technology – when every second counts. Community funding plays an essential role in making purchases like this possible. As WFRS shared, this is the type of equipment that may not otherwise fit within municipal budgets, but has an immediate and meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

A situation where our $100 donations truly save lives!