Part of emergency response, monitor, (as required) act, and evacuate medical emergencies. Providing medical aid as required at the finish line and, most critically, along the course. Part of an integrated emergency response plan.
- Who is In Charge?
- Context For All Roles.
- Volunteers Needed.
- Return to Loppet or All Volunteer Opportunities.
Who is In Charge?
Jesse Lineham and Sophie Lalonde-Bester and medical students and the co-chiefs for the Birkie. They are the latest in a long and distinguished with the University.
Beyond providing their critical skills, the Birkie connection gives the medical students real-world experience in logistics, communications, and emergency response management. Critical insights you hope your doctor has as you are wheeled into the Emergency Department.
- 055-Medical-Chief
- 056-Medical-First Aid
- 057-Medical-Med-Student
Context For All Roles
Safety Considerations: Site safety as some volunteers are stationed in remote areas of the course. Standard bio-hazard considerations if dealing with human fluids, etc.
Location: Own transportation or public transit to Bethel transit center and then transport to the various location.
Training: Virtual/in-person briefing in January will be required. An in-person award organization meeting will be held closer to the Birkie. Attendance at the Volunteer Orientation the week of the Birkie is highly recommended. Awards Lead will provide mentorship and guidance.
Roles Needed
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 055-Medical-Chief |
| Description | Management of qualified medical volunteers for the provision of first aid at food stations and the stadium. Includes the contracting of ambulance. |
| Volunteer Requirements | A second-year student in good standing at the University of Alberta’s medical program. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to think holistically and systematically so as to best integrate the medical volunteers within the emergency response plan. |
| When Needed | Planning starts in the fall and then the Chief is onsite the Birkie day. Debrief for the next Birkie. |
| Times Needed | Plan for 10-30 hours prior to the Birkie week over the fall, Volunteer Orientation and a long Birkie Saturday. |
| Number Needed | 2 |
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 056-Medical-First Aid |
| Description | Stationed along the course, provide basic first aid for minor events. Evaluate and escalate more serious incidents to the onsite paramedics. Support the emergency response plan. |
| Volunteer Requirements | Minimum requirement is a current basic first aid and CPR. Preference is given to advance certification and experience (e.g. doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc.). Less experienced/certified individuals are paired with higher credentialed volunteers. |
| When Needed | February 7, Orientation & February 10 |
| Times Needed | Day shifts vary in length based on location; plan for at least 8 hours plus the pre-Birkie orientation. |
| Number Needed | 30 |
| Role Specifics | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Role ID, Area and Title: | 057-Medical-Med-Student |
| Description | The University of Alberta Medical School solicits students to volunteer at the Birkie. They provide the leadership team of two each year and up to another 20 volunteers to serve at Food/Aid Stations. It is part of their 2nd year program. |
| Volunteer Requirements | A second-year student in good standing at the University of Alberta’s medical program. |
| When Needed | February 7, Orientation & February 10 |
| Times Needed | Day shifts vary in length based on location; plan for at least 8 hours plus the pre-Birkie orientation. |
| Number Needed | 2 |