The 20th Annual Frankford Santa Clause Parade

The 20th Annual Frankford Santa Clause Parade

  Friendly faces wave to the crowd

Santa's helpers hand out candy canes to excited attendees

The Concert band of Cobourg

An excited 6 year-old waits impatiently for the arrival of Santa Clause.

Santa Clause Look alike

Street Medics in training

BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO, November 11, 2009 On the top floor of a down-town Belleville cafe, in a dimly lit  yellow room decorated with Christmas lights,  political activism posters and brightly coloured paintings, a group of 11 future Street Medics meet. The group training is being presented by two, knowledgeable,  60 something Street Medic's named Jack and Mary. Dressed casually in jeans, dessert boots and an army green hoody, Jack has a very enthusiastic, energetic personality. He has been involved with social demonstrations for 30 years and has helped a lot of protestors, activists and participants while acting as a Street Medic during events. He believes having trained street medics in the crowd during events is extremely important, "they are the ones who pull victims from the front line and administer first aid."

Mary, a registered nurse, has worked for over 20 years helping people in both field and hospital settings. She is a kind lady, who was quick to smile and very willing to share information and her experiences treating others.

During a protest there can be a lot going on at one time, police and activists can end up clashing resulting in injuries including everything from head wounds to tear gas exposure. Having someone who is participating as a primary caregiver for the injured makes it safer for both police and activists. That is the reason Mary and Jack held this training session, which covered topics including minimalist first aid from rubber bullets, how to create a medic kit, safety planning and self protection.

Protecting ones self was a main point of focus, according to Jack "police will take out the first two lines so stay out of the box," if you get hurt you can't help others. He recommends having two buddies or non protestors to assist you and watch your back while you are helping people. Items a street medic should have on them at the scene include first aid kit, bottled water, gloves, ear plugs and a red cross arm band to identify them as a first aid responder.

Although most demonstrations are peaceful and non-violent there are common ailments and injuries that can become serious if not treated and watched. Heat stroke is a common ailment and  can affect anyone out in the sun for long periods of time. Knowing how to help someone who is sick or injured is a benefit to everyone participating in the event and being a Street Medic may save the life of a friend or fellow participant who is in distress.

Frankford Remembers

FRANKFORD, ONTARIO, November 11, 2009- A large number of Soldiers, Veterans and Civilians came together for Remembrance Day Ceremonies held at the Cenotaph in Frankfrord, Ontario. A parade marched from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 387 to the Cenotaph located on Mill Street, a reception for members, veterans and supporters was held at the legion after the ceremony.