The BC Games Society and St. John Ambulance (British Columbia and Yukon) have announced a new partnership to provide first aid services at the 2016 and 2018 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.

The 2016 BC Winter Games will take place in Penticton followed by the 2016 BC Summer Games in Abbotsford.

St. John Ambulance has been involved in many BC Games events in the past however, the new agreement formalizes the partnership and ensures there will be a consistent standard of first aid care for participants, volunteers, and spectators at every BC Games event.

“St. John Ambulance is excited to partner with the BC Games Society in providing first aid to a large BC-based community of athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts,” said Karen MacPherson, chief executive officer for St. John Ambulance (BC and Yukon). “For over a century, St. John Ambulance Medical First Responders have been providing first aid and patient care to thousands of British Columbians at numerous events, from sport tournaments to the 2015 Canada Winter Games, and other mass gatherings. As a charity dedicated to enabling peoples’ health, safety, and quality of life, we look forward to providing service to BC’s biennial celebration of sport and community.”

“We are pleased to partner with a well-recognized and respected organization like St. John Ambulance,” said Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society. “Together with our Host Society medical volunteers, St. John Ambulance personnel will provide expertise and care to ensure a safe experience for everyone involved with the BC Winter and BC Summer Games.”