December 23, 2008
SockWars, now in its fourth year, was initiated by BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) Regional Medical Director and Emergency Physician Dr. Karen Wanger and Triage Nurse Debra Watts. The two were concerned that disadvantaged patients come into the hospital without clean socks and are discharged in their same clothes. They felt that if patients were provided with new and dry garments when they left the hospital, they would feel better which would positively impact their well-being and the heath care system. Both Wanger and Watts have a connection with BCAS and were able to enlist the help of paramedics who often treat the homeless and disadvantaged.
The High School First Responders jumped at the challenge and on Tuesday, December 23, the BCAS paramedics filled an ambulance with the collected socks and underwear and helped distribut them to St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, Covenant House and other shelters for the homeless or disadvantaged.
- See Also: News Release [PDF - 35 KB]
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