New registry crucial in emergency for Vaughan's most vulnerable people
Vaughan first responders will be alerted to disabled right away after 911 call

YorkRegion.com
Oct. 17, 2017
Tim Kelly

A new registry could be the difference between life and death for Vaughan's most vulnerable people.

Initiated by Vaughan Fire and Rescue, the Emergency Response Vulnerable Persons Registry alerts first responders and firefighters if someone in the home has a mental or physical disability so they know before they arrive to get that person out first.

But those with the disability must sign up to the registry so responders are aware when that critical call comes in.

Franca Tomasella of Vaughan has signed up. The 53-year-old married professional, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy and is wheelchair-bound, said she feels the information on the registry is really valuable.

Tomasella, who said she "plans for the best but expects the worst," and adds "I'm married and we have a dog who doesn't communicate well with others," clearly sees the benefits of the registry.

"I had a really bad accident in the elevator in our house five years ago. My husband was home, but we had to call 911. If I was unconscious, it would have been good to have the registry then," she said.

Vaughan Deputy Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi would like to see anyone who has a disability in Vaughan sign up for the registry.

"They can go to our website and identify themselves and where they would most likely be for sleeping arrangements. That way, if there was a fire, we can enter all the information in our 911 dispatch centre and alert firefighters," she said.

The best way to sign up for the registry is to go to the website and sign up at Vaughan.ca/VulnerablePersonsRegistry.

The list needs to updated annually and Vaughan Fire and Emergency Services should be notified if an individual no longer resides at the location named on the list.

Those with further questions regarding the services should contact 905-832-8506 Ext. 8932.

Completed forms can be emailed, mailed or dropped off to: Vaughan Fire and Rescue, 2800 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan, ON, L4K 2N9.