Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association - KERPA

08/03/2026

👉 Join us on Tuesday, August 4 at the Nelson Safeway for Customer Appreciation Day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.!

Come say Hi! 👋 Pick up your KERPA raffle tickets, learn more about the work we do in our communities, and chat with our amazing volunteers.

📍 You'll find us near the floral department.

We can't wait to see you there—stop by, say hello, and help support KERPA! 💙

07/31/2026

Hugs and huge thanks to Whitewater Ski Resort for hosting the 2nd Annual Alex's Whitewater Hike for KERPA in honour of Alex Zimich. ❤️⛰️

It was a beautiful day in the mountains as participants ran and hiked laps from the Hummingbird Lodge to the top of the Silver King Chair. Everyone enjoyed the DJ spinning great tunes, an amazing BBQ, and this year's silent auction featuring incredible stay-and-play packages from around Nelson and area.

We are deeply honoured by the dedication of the Zimich family, who work so hard alongside Whitewater Ski Resort to make this special event happen in Alex's memory. Your generosity, commitment, and community spirit continue to make a meaningful difference for KERPA.

You are all simply the very best. Thank you for your incredible support!

07/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who has purchased raffle tickets so far! 🎉

There's still time to get yours!

You can purchase tickets online by contacting our office at [email protected]. We'll mail your tickets directly to you—it's super convenient, easy, and safe!

As a bonus, you'll also receive a KERPA sticker with your tickets! 😊

Don't miss your chance to support KERPA and enter the raffle. Get your tickets today!
#$5kcashprize

07/29/2026

Huge thanks to the Nelson Pickleball Club and all the players who braved the heat and smoky air to support KERPA! 🎾❤️

The 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament for KERPA was a great success, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous donation that you sent our way as a result of this event.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported this fun weekend! Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community help make a real difference. We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to next year's tournament! 🧡

07/27/2026

Our thanks go out again to The Crew Slo-Pitch team for your continued support of KERPA and our mission! Your generosity is the foundation that helps keep KERPA operating. Because of your support, we can continue providing rapid emergency physician response to the most critically ill and injured patients throughout the Kootenay Region.

Your gift isn't just a donation—it's a commitment to saving lives and supporting our communities when every second counts.

07/23/2026

Come see KERPA at the Night Market! 🧡

We'll be set up in front of Shoe La La—stop by, say hi, and learn more about how KERPA is helping bring critical emergency physician care to our region. Buy a raffle ticket 🎟️ !

We'd love to see you! 👋

07/21/2026

Its hot out there! Do you know about Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?
Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed.

👉 Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
👉 Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
👉 First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

07/20/2026

A genuine thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170 Castlegar-Robson for their generous $1,000 donation in support of KERPA.

Pictured are Chris MacBain, President, and Chrissy Burdeyny, Treasurer, presenting the cheque to Miriam Ramsden, who accepted it on behalf of KERPA.

Support from community organizations like the Legion helps ensure our Emergency Response Physicians have the equipment and resources they need to provide critical care to the most seriously ill and injured patients throughout the Kootenay region.

Thank you for helping us save lives. ❤️

07/19/2026

⭐ Why Physicians in the Field Help Save Lives — And Why KERPA Matters

(Evidence from BASICS UK — a gold standard in physician-led prehospital care)

When people in rural and remote communities face life-threatening emergencies, time and expertise make the difference. The British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) has spent decades proving that putting physicians on scene dramatically improves survival.

Here’s what the evidence shows:

🚑 25,000–30,000 Emergency Responses Every Year

BASICS doctors support frontline ambulance crews at the most critical calls, bringing advanced hospital-level skills directly to patients.
🔗 https://buff.ly/AyKYVqg

👩⚕️ 2,500+ Volunteer Physicians Across the UK

Experts in emergency medicine, anaesthesia, trauma, and critical care — responding when seconds matter.
🔗 https://buff.ly/AyKYVqg

❤️ Cardiac Arrest Survival Doubles

Survival jumps from 10–15% to 25–30% when a physician arrives first.
🔗 Resuscitation Council UK 2021 Guidelines – https://buff.ly/ci8ELIR

🩸 35% Reduction in Severe Trauma Deaths

A 2024 meta-analysis shows survival improves dramatically when a physician is on scene for major trauma.
🔗 Journal of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery – https://buff.ly/6MFqZIr

💰 £500,000 Annual Savings Per Program

Physician-led care reduces ICU admissions and prevents avoidable complications, easing pressure on the health system.
🔗 NHS England ICS Report 2024 – https://buff.ly/TEyn424

🌄 Stronger Outcomes in Rural Communities

80% of BASICS teams serve remote regions, delivering 15% better outcomes for patients far from hospital care.
🔗 BASICS Rural Impact Audit 2024 – https://buff.ly/e5ZR1aE

🇨🇦 What This Means for KERPA (BC, Canada)

Everything BASICS has proven in the UK applies directly to the Kootenays:

✔ Long transport times
✔ Rural and remote terrain
✔ Critically ill and injured patients who can’t wait
✔ Ambulance crews stretched to their limits

KERPA is bringing this globally proven model to British Columbia.
Our physician responders deliver advanced care at the scene — the same interventions that research shows improve survival and reduce long-term disability.

This isn’t theory.
This isn’t speculation.
It’s evidence-based medicine. And it saves lives.

KERPA’s mission is simple:
Bringing critical emergency care to the patient — wherever they are — when every second matters.

If you believe rural patients deserve the same chance of survival as anyone else…
👉 Share this.
👉 Spread the word.
👉 Support KERPA.

Welcome to the British Association for Immediate Care Latest News 08 July 2026 Our latest newsletter with updates on His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List, the Pre-Hospital Care Conference, strategy & scheme news. 03 July 2026 Our updated strategy has been released, centred around four goal...

07/12/2026

🎟️ We're still selling tickets! 🎟️

If you'd like to support KERPA and help us continue bringing emergency physicians to some of the region's most critically ill and injured patients, please consider purchasing one (or a few!) raffle tickets.

💰 GRAND PRIZE: $5,000 CASH! 💰

Every ticket helps make a difference—and you just might be our lucky winner!

Thank you for supporting KERPA and the lifesaving work we do in our communities. ❤️