B.C.’s health ministry says the emergency response to the Tumbler Ridge schools shooting included ground ambulances, advanced care paramedics and two B.C. Emergency Health Service (BCEHS) air ambulances.
Alberta’s Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) also responded. Black Press has reached out to STARS for details.
The RCMP said on Wednesday morning that nine people were killed and 27 were injured.
According to the health ministry update, BCEHS provided care to patients on site, the RCMP and paramedics transported one patient each to the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre, and two patients were transported out of the area by air.
One of those was assessed as in critical condition and flown to the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. That patient remains in critical condition and is receiving specialized care.
The other patient was assessed as being in serious to fair condition and transferred to a higher level of care in the Lower Mainland.
The Provincial Health Services Authority also activated its Disaster Psychological Support team to reinforce local mental health supports. B.C. Children’s Hospital is also mobilizing a team to travel to Tumbler Ridge to provide youth mental health support. Northern Health is doing the same.
Drop-in appointments are now at the health centre for anyone seeking support.
The Tumbler Ridge Health Centre’s emergency department was fully staffed at the time of the shootings. It also remained open through the night.
“We commend all the paramedics, RCMP members, health-care professionals and others who courageously responded to this event,” says a statement from the B.C. health ministry.
Suppports for people:
• 310 Mental Health Support – A toll-free number connecting callers to a B.C. crisis line. People can dial 310-6789
• Kids Help Phone – text 686868