Inaugural Responders Run puts new equipment in the hands of fire department

Submitted by The SportLab

On a crisp and foggy Saturday morning, Canada’s first and only run exclusively for first responders was held in Huntsville. The Responders Run was created to offer an opportunity for those who serve our community to get together in a fun and social setting to build camaraderie.

The event culminated with a ‘crew breakfast’ at Huntsville Fire Station 1.

“It’s really important that the 911 services are together for events like the Responders Run,” said Nick Musters, firefighter and president of the Huntsville Fire Department Station 1 Association. “We run a lot of the same calls together and it’s great to get to know one another outside of an emergency situation. It really brings the 911 services together as a tighter knit community.”

Paramedic Shelley Rodgers agreed. “It was so wonderful to get to meet and socialize with my fellow first responders in a non-emergent environment! It’s important for our mental and physical health to have fun while staying fit.”

In collaboration, Action First Aid and The SportLab were able to present the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department with an automated external defibrillator that will assist them in training their personnel and also make another lifesaving unit available for public events at which they volunteer their time.

“Over the last six years, The SportLab has worked closely with the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department on initiatives that improve the health and performance of our neighbours and friends that serve as our local firefighters. The Responders Run is an event that supports their ongoing improvement and allows other emergency services workers to come together as well,” said Dr. Lowell Greib of The SportLab, the event’s presenting partner.

Roger Hennig, co-founder of Action First Aid, added this about the inaugural Responders Run in Huntsville last weekend: “Action First Aid was proud to support the first responders who took part in the inaugural Responders Run presented by The SportLab in support of improved access, awareness and education of publicaAccess defibrillation throughout the Muskoka region.

“Action First Aid is proud to support the Responders Run and the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire department with a donation of an automated external defibrillator which we hope will save a life someday.”

Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department Training/Suppression Captain, Paul Calleja appreciated the initiative. “What an amazing opportunity for the the training division of Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire to add an AED. Action First Aid and The SportLab have allowed us to take another step in keeping our firefighters safe while training to be prepared for emergencies within our community. Thanks to both parties for making this happen.”

Following the First Responders Run, participants enjoyed a ‘crew breakfast’ (Photo: The SportLab)

Following the First Responders Run, participants enjoyed a ‘crew breakfast’ (Photo: The SportLab)

Dr. Lowell Grieb of The SportLab (left) and Roger Hennig of Action First Aid (right) present Huntsville firefighter Paul Calleja with an automated external defibrillator (Photo: The SportLab)

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