Rescue drill provides vital preparation for emergency events

News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – ‘This is a drill!’ Residents of a Broadmead neighbourhood were reassured that the realistic rescue mission happening outside their homes this week was simply for practice and not a real emergency.

This important exercise for Saanich staff was held during Safety and Health Week, which provides an opportunity to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. It also coincides with Emergency Preparedness Week, which is about united communities working hand in hand to respond and recover more effectively.

“Saanich is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of all our workers — and regular emergency drills are one of the ways that we practice our response to emergency situations that may occur,” says David Sparanese, Senior Manager of Public Works with the District of Saanich. “These drills help expand awareness of roles and responsibilities, build competencies and give staff hands-on practice on how to assess and control an emergency situation and effectively coordinate a response.”

“Continuing to develop and sharpen these skills is not only useful from an internal staff perspective — it benefits the greater community as well,” adds Saanich Fire Assistant Deputy Chief Craig Ford. “These drills demonstrate the capability of our crews and give Saanich residents confidence that the District can respond to any potential emergency in an organized, efficient and effective way.”

The emergency drill scenario involved the technical rescue of a worker from a confined space. The drill involved staff from the District’s Occupational Health and Safety and Public Works divisions, as well as the Saanich Police Department and Saanich Fire Services.

 

Saanich firefighters practice a technical rescue of a worker from a confined space during a rescue drill on May 8, 2025.

 

Staff from the District’s Occupational Health and Safety and Public Works divisions, as well as the Saanich Police Department and Saanich Fire Services work together to respond to a confined space rescue during an emergency drill on May 8, 2025.

 

Saanich firefighters respond to a confined space rescue during an emergency drill on May 8, 2025.

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Media Contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca